The Bell Jar

"The Bell Jar" is a semi-autobiographical novel by Sylvia Plath, published in 1963 under the pseudonym Victoria Lucas. It tells the story of Esther Greenwood, a young woman who struggles with mental illness and societal expectations in 1950s America. The "bell jar" metaphorically represents Esther's feelings of suffocation and isolation as she grapples with her identity and depression. The novel explores themes of gender roles, mental health, and the search for autonomy, providing a poignant and introspective look at the challenges faced by women and the impact of mental illness on one's life and relationships.