Study Guide for The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
Overview
This resource includes group discussion prompts relating to The Bell Jar, a YouTube video reviewing Sylvia Plath as a writer, and a poetry activity for students to complete independently.
Discussion Questions
- How can you relate to Esther? Consider her age, gender, society expectations, and her family relationships.
- What was your understanding of mental illness and depression before reading The Bell Jar? Has it changed? If so, how?
- What does the bell jar represent for Esther?
- How do Esther's varying relationships impact her well being?
- Put yourself in Esther's shoes. How would you handle depression during her time period? How would you handle it in today's environment?
- What symbolism did Sylvia Plath use in this book?
- How does feminism show up in Esther's life?
- Consider the metaphor about the fig tree. What point is Esther making? How can you relate?
John Green Dives into Sylvia Plath
Source:
CrashCourse. (June 12, 2014). The Poetry of Sylvia Plath [Crash Course Literature 216]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/iJn0ZPd6mYo?si=Pk9_Tt36b1i31EGH
Poem Activity
Choose a poem by Sylvia Plath and answer the following questions:
- What is the theme?
- Do any words stick out to you?
- Does the poem use imagery?
- Is there a feeling or emotion?
Next, write your own poem. This poem will not be shared with your classmates. The goal here is to take risks and create something that helps you express your thoughts. If it helps, follow Sylvia Plath's lead and write about a typical experience in a dramatic fashion (she wrote cutting her thumb in a poem titled What A Thrill).