The Bell Jar was truly an enjoyable read for me. Despite the continuous pessimistic tone that dominated the book, it was truly an insightful book and the story line kept me hooked through its last words. Although I am sure many would disagree with my review and say that the book had no depth in outlook and personality, I would say that they are right. However, the author purposely did this so that the reader could understand and hopefully feel sympathetic for Esther due to her deep depression. Most people do not realize or understand what women had to go through in this point of history. Imagine working hard your entire life knowing that no matter what you did or accomplished all you could be was a secretary, your thoughts and actions controlled by a man like every relationship was an abusive marriage. It was not so simple then to just get a divorce and women clearly did not have as much freedom. I enjoyed The Bell Jar because it reminded me of how lucky I am to live in this day and age. I can study what I want and get a job without much of the discrimination those women faced. If I had to live back then, I would be that depressed too.
I too thought the book was insightful but the pessimistic tone was far too overwhelming for my liking. The author did not convince me to be sympathetic for Esther. It often seemed to me there was little reason for Esther to be depressed. She had lived a very successful life with the exception of her relationships with men. To me it did not seem like she was faced with much discrimination in the work place.
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