Kerri Davis answers “What was the reason for Esther's bleeding...”

Kirjasieppo asked this question about The Bell Jar:

What was the reason for Esther's bleeding and why wasn't the reader explained this?

Kerri Davis So here's my theory- it's largely indicative of the inherent misogyny and misdiagnosis of women within the medical fields at the time, but also still …moreSo here's my theory- it's largely indicative of the inherent misogyny and misdiagnosis of women within the medical fields at the time, but also still arguably relevant today. It also ties into the themes of men having control over women's bodies that you see throughout the book.

This is shown a lot through Buddy and his med student antics and his med school friends. He jokes with Esther that "You oughtn't to see this. You'll never want to have a baby if you do. They oughtn't to let women watch. It'll be the end of the human race" when he takes her to witness a birth. The ambiguity of the doctor's diagnosis at the ER suggests that women's health at this time, what was wrong with them, was never fully explained to them thereby removing autonomy over their own body. This can be seen throughout Esther's stay at the asylum because she seemed to just be shunted around without being positively affirmed or explained to that she was making a progression or a regression. Deliberately not explaining any of this to the reader leaves you with a sense of confusion and helplessness, connecting us with Esther and what she was going through. (less)

flag

View 1 comment

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more