The Bell Jar Lesson Plan

Characterize the relationship between Esther and Joan. How are these two young women connected? How do their fates differ?

Esther hesitates to like Joan throughout the novel, although she turns to Joan for friendship on several occasions. Joan, while sometimes falling in line with the mood of other interns or patients, maintains a friendly and open rapport with Esther. In the last section of the novel, the two realize they have much in common yet deal very differently with their commonality. Joan sees herself as cheerful. Esther admits to feeling depressed and confused. Joan takes Esther to the hospital and then hangs herself, indicating that the two friends were...