The Bell Jar 9

In chapter 15, for the first time in the novel, Esther refers to the bell jar by claiming that her life is like a bell jar. By saying this, she means that wherever she goes, she is constantly trapped by the bell jar. A bell jar is used to cover delicate objects, and in this scenario, it is meant to symbolize covering Esther. Even if you move a bell jar, the object inside of it is going to remain enclosed. It is the same way with Esther. The doctors keep moving her from hospital to hospital, but she is still is unable to let out her emotions. Later in the novel, in chapter 19, she refers to a bell jar again, but this time, it is on a more positive note. She says that she feels much better after the shock therapy and is able to lift the bell jar a bit. She is now able to let out her emotions some more and communicate with others more clearly.