Eileen answers “I find Esther's descent into insanity a...”

Maddie asked this question about The Bell Jar:

I find Esther's descent into insanity a little rushed or hasty, but I have never experienced mental trauma like hers. Is it relatable to anyone else? Has anyone gone through what Esther is experiencing and could shed some light on this?

Eileen To some extent, I agree with others that it was a gradual descent. But only to a point. For me, it was a downward trajectory, but then she fell off a …moreTo some extent, I agree with others that it was a gradual descent. But only to a point. For me, it was a downward trajectory, but then she fell off a cliff unexpectedly. I felt like she was holding on, and then all of a sudden she says she didn't sleep for a week. I would have expected to be brought along for the ride, experiencing not sleeping for a day, and then another and then another. But instead, she just all of a sudden declares that she didn't sleep for a week, and everything changes.(less)

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