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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 Dr. Nolan restrict Esther's visitors?

2. What does Esther do to pay tribute to Joan?

3. Whose visit to her hospital room angers Esther?

4. Who does Jody set Esther up on a blind date with?

5. What does Mrs. Bannister discover about Esther one evening?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Esther's encounter with the sailor

2. What news does Esther expect Dr. Nolan to give her after her insulin reaction? What news does she actually give her?

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

4. Describe the scene at the cemetery.

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

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

7. What do the voices in Esther's head tell her as she sits in the park contemplating suicide?

8. How is Esther's shock treatment experience at the private hospital different than the one she had with Dr. Gordon?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout The Bell Jar, Esther moves between the present and the past. Select three of the flashback scenes and:

1) describe what happens in each of these scenes

2) discuss the significance of each scene in Esther's life

3) discuss how the flashback scene relates to the "present" time scene it is embedded in.

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

Essay Topic 2

At the end of The Bell Jar, Esther is about to be released from the asylum. Write an essay discussing:

1) whether or not she is ready to leave the hospital

2) what the future holds for her

3) how you think she'll do in the "real world".

Use specific examples from the novel to come up with and 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)

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