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acresofwords 's review for:
The Bell Jar
by Sylvia Plath
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have never had the opportunity or taken the time to read any of Sylvia Plath, and I have to apologize to her for taking so long to dive into her work. As a young adult living with Bipolar Disorder, I feel Plath has written one of the most relatable snapshots of the intricacies of life with a mental health disorder. In addition, The Bell Jar captures, in an incredibly poignant way, the abhorrent medical treatment of women and those with mental health disorders in the mid 20th century. Having this detailed, personal account of that time only informs more about today’s perspective on mental health both socially and medically.
One could view this book as a caustic novel with cynical musings, but that perspective mimics the sentiments of the 1950s and shortchanges the protagonist, the author, and all those who have the experience of living with a mental health disorder. This perspective places the protagonist and the author back in the asylum of those days with no escape other than living in the bell jar. Instead, one can look at this book as an insight into the mind of all the aforementioned characters both real and fictional.
One could view this book as a caustic novel with cynical musings, but that perspective mimics the sentiments of the 1950s and shortchanges the protagonist, the author, and all those who have the experience of living with a mental health disorder. This perspective places the protagonist and the author back in the asylum of those days with no escape other than living in the bell jar. Instead, one can look at this book as an insight into the mind of all the aforementioned characters both real and fictional.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt