Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar is about a girl named Esther's need to find her identity as a woman during the 1950's. Throughout the book many characters influence Esther's identity as a woman, but one of the most crucial influences in her life is her mother, Mrs. Greenwood. Mrs. Greenwood influences her by showing skepticism of Esther's ability to exceed in the profession of her choice, by wanting her to marry whoever she wants despite Esther's feelings towards him, and also by not being able to see that her daughter is really sick and might not ever leave the hospital.

    Mrs. Greenwood influences Esther's identity as a woman by doubting her ability to excel in the profession of her choice, and making Esther feel as if she has to work twice as hard to make it in the world. She shows this at several points...