In the novel, The Bell Jar, main character Esther Greenwood lives a life of severe depression where people around her don't understand. Esther goes through many stages of trying to get better. Author Sylvia Plath portrays characters reactions to Esther's depression. Different reactions by characters in Esther's life communicate the experience of Esther's depression, which relates to the titular symbol of the bell jar.
Characters in Esther's life respond to her depression differently, which creates a different experience for Esther when dealing with her depression. Esther goes to see Doctor Gordon, her first psychologist at the onset of her depression. Doctor Gordon "seemed unimpressed" by the way that Esther felt and described her feelings (Plath,135). In Esther's point of view, he acted like "he didn't believe" the things that she said (135). He doesn't connect with Esther and get to the root of her problems and she can feel this. Doctor Gordon recommends shock treatments that scare Esther immensely. She does not like the feeling of them and becomes extremely enraged by Doctor Gordon. Although a licensed psychiatrist, Doctor Gordon harms Esther more than helps her. Esther explains to the reader in her own way how helpless she feels because her doctor isn't helping her. The person that wants Esther to get help and takes her to see Doctor Gordon is her mom. Esther's mom loves her and worries about her future. Esther's mom blames herself for Esther's depression and "was sure she had done something wrong” (202). Mrs. Greenwood begs Esther "to tell her what she has done wrong" during her stay at a mental hospital (202). Esther mentions that she hates her mother, she does not appreciate that her mother is trying. The experience her mother creates for Esther during her depression makes Esther address the toll that she takes on her loved ones. She begins to feel a burden to her mom and hates her mom for making her feel that way. Minor characters during the story...