Bell Jar

The first time that Esther mentions the bell jar she says that even if she were on a cruise or in Paris, “I would be sitting under the same glass bell jar, stewing in my own sour air.” Esther has no way to release all of the sour air. We’ve talked in class about how Esther doesn’t really have any good friends or good relationships with anyone. This bell jar keeps her away from others, or at least connecting with others. Esther says that she hates her mother, when she is just trying to help.
Esther can’t find a way to feel better. She can’t escape from her sour feelings. She has no control of her sickness – it has a mind of it’s own and she can’t do anything about it. She is trapped by her depression and insanity.
One time she talks to a religious man who comes to visit her. She explains how she believes that she has to live hell before she dies, because nothing will happen after she dies and that whatever people believe will happen to them. She thinks that her insanity is her hell on earth and she can’t get out of it because the bell jar keeps it surrounding her. Although, after her first shock treatment at the new asylum, she feels like the bell jar has been lifted. It doesn’t last for that long but this means it may work in the future.