The Bell Jar

How was your Thanksgiving?  Ours was lovely, spent at one of Neal's sister's.  Three of his five siblings were together, along with spouses and adult children and, for the first time ever, our great-niece Meadow.  She'll be one in January and was a hoot to have around for the big feast.  My sister-in-law was sweet enough to make a vegetarian stuffing for me, and I savored every bite. 

Despite the joy of the day, or perhaps because of it, I was more homesick for my family than I've been since I moved away from home at 21.  One of my sisters is in the hospital (she'll be fine), so my folks had to change their plans in order to be with her.  My mom was so, so sad that M. wouldn't be out for the holiday, that she would have to postpone dinner with my oldest brother and his family.  There is no way my mom would ever leave one of us all alone on a holiday, but I think more than anything she was just heartbroken that my sister and brother couldn't enjoy each other as they'd planned.  That, along with the terrible news from India dampened the spirit of the day.

I've been struggling with a cold for almost two weeks, and yesterday and today, I gave in to it.  I hunkered down on my little loveseat, my personal hot water bottle on my lap, and ripped through Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar.  I can't believe I've gone this long without reading it, but as I commented to Neal, I'm really well-read when it comes to dead, white English guys and totally useless when it comes to American authors.

If, like me, you've missed The Bell Jar, then I say, pick it up fast.  This is the story of Esther, a bright young woman who has made a life of winning scholarships and academic prizes, who is in danger of breaking under the pressure of expectations.  Her narration is articulate and often truly funny.  Her love of words comes through as she writes with precision about the sense of being under the bell jar.  The most frightening line of the book occurs after Esther's first electroshock therapy treatment, which we later learn was incorrectly (and traumatically) given.  Her mother says, "I knew you'd decide to be all right."  I got shivers as I read that and wondered how many young people suffering from mental illness have faced not only poor treatment, but such terrible misunderstanding. 

Literary critics have called Esther the female Holden Caulfield, but I argue that she is much more important, more articulate, and as a narrator brings greater self-awareness to the page. But then, I've never had much empathy for Holden.

I apologize for the morose tone of this post.  I promise pictures of knitting and a better attitude later in the week.  Until then, I hope each of you knows that I am thankful for our on-line community, and I appreciate that you visit my little corner of the Internet as much as you do!

Comments

[Amy]

I'm a big Plath fan. If you get a chance, check out the collection Johnny Panic and the Bible of Dreams. The short fiction is a mixed bag, but the essays, especially the last few she wrote before her death, are wonderful. She would have been an amazing essayist if she hadn't died.

[Nora]

I read it in high school (on my own - not as part of a curriculum). I should really re-read it - the food poisoning scene is the one that stands out in my mind at the moment, but it is a fabulous book.

[Liz]

Hmm. I've figured for years that I ought to read The Bell Jar, but my fear has been that, as someone who suffers from some pretty serious depression, I've been a bit afraid of it. What do you think -- is it manageable? That is to say, might it not be too terribly triggering if the proper precautions are taken (sunny day, lovely cup of tea handy, huggable dogs handy, baby Shiba cam at the ready)? :)

Baby Shiba cam: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/shiba-inu-puppy-cam

(tried to hyper-link it, but Typepad wouldn't let me.)

[Cookie]

I hope you and your sister feel better soon. I'm so glad you were able to enjoy the day with Neal's people. What a thoughtful sister he has.

xo

[Nancy]

Hope you are on the mend soon...I had a cold earlier that took a couple weeks. The Bell Jar is an incredible read. I read it in high school and almost stil remember it....quite a story.

[Gina]

I grabbed the book on CD version after reading this post, and I'm enjoying it. It's read by Maggie Gyllenhal, and I think she's done a great job of giving this book a voice.