“Mental Health”:
What comes to mind when you hear this expression?
Brainstorm and write key words or phrases.
Sylvia Plath was an American poet, novelist, and essayist, known for her intense and confessional writing style. Born on October 27, 1932, Plath's work often grappled with themes of identity, mental illness, and the challenges faced by women in a patriarchal society. Her most famous novel, "The Bell Jar," published in 1963 under the pseudonym Victoria Lucas, is a semi-autobiographical account that explores the life of Esther Greenwood, a young woman navigating her ambitions, personal crises, and mental health struggles.
The novel delves deeply into themes of identity, as Esther wrestles with her expectations, desires, and the roles imposed upon her by society. It portrays her profound sense of alienation and the pressure to conform to societal norms, particularly regarding gender roles and success. The novel also addresses depression, as Esther experiences a mental breakdown and feels trapped under the metaphorical "bell jar," symbolizing her suffocating environment and the isolation that accompanies her illness. Ultimately, the book resonates with readers for its poignant exploration of the complexities of selfhood and the impact of external pressures on individual mental health.
Esther Greenwood's inner thoughts are a central component of the narrative, providing deep insight into her mental state and existential struggles. Here are a few key sections where Esther's inner thoughts are particularly prominent:
Opening Chapter: The novel begins with Esther's reflections on her life in New York City and her feelings of disconnection. Her thoughts reveal her sense of alienation and foreshadow her mental health struggles.
The Summer at the Sea: Esther's memories and internal monologues about her experiences during the summer reflect her confusion and increasing disillusionment with societal norms, especially regarding women and their roles.
The Bell Jar Metaphor: The titular "bell jar" is a recurring metaphor for Esther's mental state, and her feeling trapped under the glass highlight her feelings of depression and suffocation.
Therapy Scenes: When Esther is in therapy, her thoughts reveal her internal battles and the stigma around mental health. Her reflections during these sessions can be candid, offering a raw portrayal of her anxiety and despair.
The Ending: Esther's thoughts during her recovery process illustrate her journey towards understanding her identity and the complexities of her mental health, presenting a mixture of hope and uncertainty.
In these sections, Plath employs a stream-of-consciousness style that effectively captures Esther’s fragmented thoughts and emotions, creating a vivid portrayal of her struggles.
Match each quotation to its corresponding interpretation
Identify challenging words or phrases in the quotations, related to emotions or identity, then create some sentences on yourself. using the words you’ve highlighted .
What is Esther's perspective on life? How does she perceive herself?
Choose one of the following themes: Identity, Mental Illness, Feminism, or Societal Expectations, Pressure.
How are these theme present in today’s life?
Reflect on Esther's journey and your own perspectives on mental health:
In what ways can we support mental health in ourselves and others in today's society?
USEFUL VOCABULARY AND EXPRESSIONS
Esther and Holden in New York City
"The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath and "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger are two iconic novels that delve into themes of mental health, identity, and the struggle to find one's place in the world. Despite their differences in tone, style, and setting, both works share some commonalities.
Fill in the gaps with the names of the two main characters.
These two novels both explore the complexities of mental health and the profound alienation individuals can feel in a world that often feels restrictive or inauthentic. While they approach these themes from different perspectives, both stories invite introspection and empathy, making them enduring works that continue to speak to the struggles of young adulthood and self-discovery.
"Every Sunday my grandfather used to bring me an avocado pear hidden at the bottom of his briefcase under six soiled shirts and the Sunday comics. He taught me how to eat avocados by melting grape jelly and French dressing together in a saucepan and filling the cup of the pear with the garnet sauce" Esther Greenwood
Salmon-Stuffed Avocados
Canned salmon is a valuable pantry staple and a practical way to include heart-healthy, omega-3-rich fish in your diet. Here, we combine it with avocados in an easy no-cook meal.
Ingredients (serves 6)
1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup diced celery
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon lime juice
⅛ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon ground pepper
2 cans salmon, drained, flaked
3 avocados
Directions
Combine yogurt, celery, parsley, lime juice, salt and pepper in a medium bowl; mix well. Add salmon and mix well.
Halve avocados lengthwise and remove pits. Scoop about 1 tablespoon flesh from each avocado half into a small bowl. Mash the scooped-out avocado flesh with a fork and stir into the salmon mixture.
Fill each avocado half with about 1/4 cup of the salmon mixture, mounding it on top of the avocado halves. Garnish with chives, if desired.
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