View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Why doesn't Esther wash her clothes or bathe?

2. What is unusual about Miss Norris?

3. What field does Joan tell Esther she plans on studying when she returns to college?

4. How does Esther ultimately decide she will do to commit suicide?

5. Who is Esther's doctor at the private hospital?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Esther's feelings as she visits the gynecologist.

2. Describe the circumstances that led to Joan's hospitalization.

3. What does Dr. Nolan tell Esther to help her feel better about Joan's death?

4. What does Dr. Nolan tell Esther about shock treatments in this chapter?

5. What thoughts consume Esther after finding out she must have shock treatments?

6. What is the only item that gives Esther pleasure in the hospital? Why?

7. Describe Esther's encounter with the sailor

8. How does Esther feel as she is waiting to enter her exit hearing?

9. What does Esther do at Deer Island?

10. How does Esther find out about Joan's homosexuality?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the significance of the novel's title. Be sure to include:

1) a definition of "bell jar"

2) the relationship between the bell jar and Esther

3) what the bell jar represents about Esther's character.

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

Essay Topic 2

As The Bell Jar develops, so does the main character's mental illness. In your essay:

1) describe the progression of her illness

2) describe and explain the "red flags" that showed she was getting increasingly worse

3) comment on the role that the other characters played in her deterioration.

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

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 921 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample