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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. What grade does Esther earn in her physics class?

2. For Esther the world is divided along the lines of---

3. Why is Esther shocked when Buddy tells her he is not a virgin?

4. How does Doreen avoid getting food poisoning?

5. What does Esther do when she returns to the Amazon the night that Marco attacks her?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the Amazon.

2. Describe the sanatorium where Buddy is receiving treatment for TB.

3. Compare Constantin and Buddy.

4. Describe the events that lead to Esther's food poisoning

5. Describe the story that Esther reads in the short story book from the Ladies' Day magazine

6. Who is Mrs. Ockenden?

7. Describe what runs through Esther's head when she and Constantin are visiting the UN.

8. What happens on the hill behind the chemistry lab at Yale?

9. Why does Mr. Willard leave Esther alone with Buddy at the sanatorium?

10. Why does Esther decide to take a bath when she returns to her hotel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In The Bell Jar there the author uses recurrent symbolism to represent aspects of Esther's story. Select two of the following symbols ( mirrors, water, babies, the bell jar) and:

1) describe how the author uses this symbol at at least two points in the story

2) discuss what the symbol represents about Esther at that point in the story

3) discuss what the overall message the author is trying to send about Esther using this symbol.

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

Essay Topic 2

The Bell Jar takes place in several different settings. Compare and contrast three of the settings focusing on:

1) describing the setting and Esther's role within it

2) the significance of the setting in Esther's development.

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

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,024 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample