Sylvia Plath’s novel, The Bell Jar is often considered a literary classic for its description of the protagonist’s angst ridden journey through depression. In the autobiographical novel, Esther Greenwood, Plath’s protagonist, sinks into a profound depression after her third year at college during the 1950’s. Esther battles not only a deteriorating mental stability, but also a lack of a sense of individuality, which leads to her major depressive disorder. Esther is a …showed first 75 words of 704 total…

…showed last 75 words of 704 total…novel of Esther‘s triumph over her depression is both an informative book on depression along as entertaining and intriguing. The emotional burdens she faces at the time result not only in Esther's social and intellectual isolation, but also her impending mental breakdown. The classic provides the reader with a revealing look into the disorder of depression through the year in the life of Esther Greenwood. I would recommend this novel for any mature reader.