Samv 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?

Samv It seemed sudden. I think because Plath meant for us to feel as lost as Ester. The story might seem rushed but the feeling is very accurate.

(Spoilers …moreIt seemed sudden. I think because Plath meant for us to feel as lost as Ester. The story might seem rushed but the feeling is very accurate.

(Spoilers Ahead)
You become disinterested in things (dropping out of school), then anxiety follows (her inability to choose a summer project or decide on her future), then you act irrationally (her weird ideas, and seemingly random and misplaced bouts of anger and irritability), you try new things that may be out of character or against the grain (losing her virginity), and you basically just self-destruct in all these little ways, one after the other, without really thinking about it. Once it starts, it progresses quickly. Something in New York must have set her off. (less)

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