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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Esther think that Mr. Willard is telling her that he and his wife had always wanted a daughter?

2. What does Esther do while Mr. Manzi is lecturing in chemistry class?

3. Who is Philomena Guinea?

4. What nickname does Doreen give Betsy?

5. What does Marco remind Esther of?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Buddy's first visit to Esther's college

2. Who are Frankie and Lenny?

3. How does Esther change from the beginning to the end of this chapter?

4. Who is Mrs. Ockenden?

5. Why is Esther upset when Buddy tells her he is no longer a virgin?

6. Why does Marco attack Esther?

7. How does Esther convince the college to exempt her from the chemistry course requirement?

8. What news does Mrs. Greenwood deliver to Esther when she picks her up from the train station? How does Esther react?

9. Describe the birth scene that Esther and Buddy witness from Esther's point of view

10. What is Eric's philosophy on sexual relationships?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Friendships have a major impact on Esther's development throughout the novel. Choose two of the women who Esther is friends with and:

1) describe the friendship

2) discuss the impact that this friendship had on Esther

3) analyze what the author is saying about friendships and their importance for women in general.

Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Imagine that the novel ended with the hospital review board telling Esther she must stay at the asylum for additional treatment. Write an essay:

1) critiquing their decision (Do you agree or disagree with it? Why?)

2) arguing for the appropriate type of treatment she should receive in the hospital based on her previous experiences.

Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

In The Bell Jar Sylvia Plath provides a commentary on American women. Choose three major scenes or characters from the novel and:

1) describe them as they relate to women

2) explain what you think Plath was trying to say about women through this scene/character.

Be sure to cite specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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