An Absence of Sisterhood: Feminism Without Movement and Esther Greenwood’s Descent Into Despair in Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar

Authors

Jacquelyn Voghel, Roger Williams University

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Bachelor of Arts in English

Advisor

James Tackach, Ph.D.

Abstract

In Sylvia Plath's semi-autobiographical novel The Bell Jar, protagonist Esther Greenwood experiences profound depression that stems from a lack of female connections as she comes of age during the 1950s. Without access to a significant feminist movement, which would not arise until the 1960s, Esther has difficulty connecting with other women, either due to their perceived adherence to patriarchal values or, at times, her own internalized misogyny. Isolated by the patriarchal landscape of the 1950s, Esther's lack of female connections exacerbate her depression, culminating in her breakdown.

Recommended Citation

Voghel, Jacquelyn, "An Absence of Sisterhood: Feminism Without Movement and Esther Greenwood’s Descent Into Despair in Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar" (2017). English Theses. 138.
https://docs.rwu.edu/english_theses/138