The Bell Jar Chapter 1 Summary

Chapter 1: In the first chapter there are numerous mentionings of light especially when describing characters. Plath uses the image of electricity when new people or situations are discussed; “they electrocuted the Rosenbergs” (Plath 1) and with Doreen’s clothes “stuck to her like some kind of electricity” (Plath 5). These images have a punch and vibrancy to them, they purposefully impactful as to impart a sense of importance onto the reader. Plath also uses light to introduce settings as Esther describes “It was so dark in the bar” (Plath 10). Other recurring shimmering images are the bright descriptions of drinks being “clear and pure” (Plath 11), Doreen like a “bleached-blond Negress in her white dress” (Plath 11) and Doreen fishing fruit with her “spindly silver spoon” (Plath 12). In the first chapter, the recurring light and white images introduce the Esther’s
This is why the constant theme in chapter two, music, comes as a shock. As soon as Doreen begins cohorting with Lenny and his friends at the bar, references of music are seen. Lenny is a “twelve o’clock disc jock” (Plath 14) and soon begins boisterously singing country songs “And when I marry I’ll be wed in Kansas” (Plath 15). Sound and music images continue, Plath describes “Lenny’s ghost voice boomed” (Plath 16). The theme of noise and music is an instrumental part of chapter two and goes in tandem with the drinking, the “jitterbug[ing]” (Plath 16), and the references of “a ballroom strewn with confetti” (Plath 17). With shimmering images like these and a dazed narrative tone by Esther, it is clear chapter two is a tumultuous chapter that demonstrates a part of Esther’s psyche of confusion and need for love as the numerously states she becomes depressed