About the book
One of The Atlantic’s Great American Novels
“A coming–of–age masterpiece.” —Boston Globe
\"It is this perfectly wrought prose and the freshness of Plath's voice in The Bell Jar that make this book enduring in its appeal.\" —USA Today
The Bell Jar is Sylvia Plath’s masterwork—an acclaimed and timeless work of psychological fiction about a young woman falling into the grip of mental illness and societal pressures.
The story chronicles the breakdown of Esther Greenwood, a bright, beautiful, enormously talented college student facing a profound identity crisis while coming of age in 1950s America, as she navigates the pressures of society along with her own ambitions. While at a prestigious, competitively won position at a New York City magazine one summer, Esther finds herself struggling with the looming expectations of marriage, motherhood, and giving up on her dreams to achieve them. She becomes increasingly disillusioned and her mental health deteriorates, ultimately leading her to undergo harsh treatment and therapy.
\"Funny, intense, enormously human\" (Cosmopolitan), The Bell Jar is a poignant exploration into the darkest and most harrowing corners of the human psyche and remains an extraordinary accomplishment from one of the country's most luminous talents.
Editions of Bell Jar
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780061148514
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780060837020
- EBook
- ISBN 9780062444479
Read an Excerpt
One of The Atlantic’s Great American Novels
“A coming–of–age masterpiece.” —Boston Globe
\"It is this perfectly wrought prose and the freshness of Plath's voice in The Bell Jar that make this book enduring in its appeal.\" —USA Today
The Bell Jar is Sylvia Plath’s masterwork—an acclaimed and timeless work of psychological fiction about a young woman falling into the grip of mental illness and societal pressures.
The story chronicles the breakdown of Esther Greenwood, a bright, beautiful, enormously talented college student facing a profound identity crisis while coming of age in 1950s America, as she navigates the pressures of society along with her own ambitions. While at a prestigious, competitively won position at a New York City magazine one summer, Esther finds herself struggling with the looming expectations of marriage, motherhood, and giving up on her dreams to achieve them. She becomes increasingly disillusioned and her mental health deteriorates, ultimately leading her to undergo harsh treatment and therapy.
\"Funny, intense, enormously human\" (Cosmopolitan), The Bell Jar is a poignant exploration into the darkest and most harrowing corners of the human psyche and remains an extraordinary accomplishment from one of the country's most luminous talents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bell Jar about?
One of The Atlantic’s Great American Novels
“A coming–of–age masterpiece.” —Boston Globe
\"It is this perfectly wrought prose and the freshness of Plath's voice in The Bell Jar that make this book enduring in its appeal.\" —USA Today
The Bell Jar is Sylvia Plath’s masterwork—an acclaimed and timeless work of psychological fiction about a young woman falling into the grip of mental illness and societal pressures.
The story chronicles the breakdown of Esther Greenwood, a bright, beautiful, enormously talented college student facing a profound identity crisis while coming of age in 1950s America, as she navigates the pressures of society along with her own ambitions. While at a prestigious, competitively won position at a New York City magazine one summer, Esther finds herself struggling with the looming expectations of marriage, motherhood, and giving up on her dreams to achieve them. She becomes increasingly disillusioned and her mental health deteriorates, ultimately leading her to undergo harsh treatment and therapy.
\"Funny, intense, enormously human\" (Cosmopolitan), The Bell Jar is a poignant exploration into the darkest and most harrowing corners of the human psyche and remains an extraordinary accomplishment from one of the country's most luminous talents.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Bell Jar?
Society and Social Sciences > Society and culture: general > Social groups, communities and identities > Gender studies, gender groups > Gender studies: women and girls > Feminism and feminist theory
Where can I read a sample of Bell Jar?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780061148514
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Bell Jar?
Sylvia Plath
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Bell Jar is available as paperback(ISBN 9780061148514) and paperback(ISBN 9780060837020) and ebook(ISBN 9780062444479)
Where can I buy Bell Jar online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Bell Jar from below
Where can I buy Bell Jar?