The Bell Jar Research Paper

Avila 1
Jonathan Avila
Ms. Melissa Walker
AP English 3
4 March 2010
Women’s Roles and Their Evolution through Literature and Events How are women viewed in society? Have the ways in which women have been viewed changed over the years and throughout the decades? Do the setting and surrounding people around someone change the views of how woman are viewed? Can a novel or book reflect how women were really treated? Through women implicated novels, American literature, and current notable facts these questions can be answered. However before those questions can be answered, research has been arranged; and the sources leading to an answer must be analyzed and explained. In order to answer these questions this essay has been organized to
It is quite clear that now in more modern times women have been treated differently. In a matter that was much hesitant to exist. The right to vote, career opportunities and salaries, women athletics, and women expectations are some of the few ways women behavior acceptance has evolved over time in the twentieth century. The Bell Jar, an autobiographical novel by Sylvia Plath, tells the story of Esther Greenwood. Young Esther is in search of success and self fulfillment as she navigates her young life. The Bell Jar shares many examples of how girls and women were treated during the nineteen fifties considering that is when the novel took place. Many common expectations are placed upon women during this time. Such as marring as a virgin, letting your husband support you and your family, and having and raising a lot of children. Being a mother and a professional was a rare an expected trait in women during this era. "So I began to think maybe it was true that when you were married and had children it was like being brainwashed, and afterward you went about as numb as a slave in a totalitarian state(Plath)," Esther shares her objection and thoughts towards commonly accepted women roles in society. Esther’s dream of one day becoming a poet is frequently denied. She is frequently denied by her mother and in everyday life
Throughout their journey the boys encounter many girls and women and treat them according to what they and most men back then believed to be suitable. Womanizers suitably fit some characters in On the Road. The character’s motives had much to do with how the women were being treated however society’s current acknowledgment on women had much to do with it also. A percentage of men viewed woman as nothing more than an experience. The percentage of men has changed over time. "Boys and girls in America have such a sad time together; sophistication demands that they submit to sex immediately without proper preliminary talk. Not courting talk--eal straight talk about souls, for life is holy and every moment is precious (Kerouac)," Kerouac shares how few wish society would