The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath on Gilmore Girls

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Key Details

Genre: fiction
Sub-Genres: classic, literary fiction, coming of age
Publication Date: 1956
Pages: 244
Themes: identity, women’s roles in society, freedom, sexuality, perfectionism, choice
Accolades: Named one of the BBC’s 100 Most Inspiring Novels and The Guardian’s 100 Best Novels

My Review

I picked up The Bell Jar during a summer break from school because I knew it was “important,” and it unexpectedly became one of my favorite books of all time. Esther Greenwood’s voice rings so true and real, which solidified its beloved status for me. At times, her neuroses read as humorous, but ultimately it’s dark and sad. This captures life’s bittersweet nature and human complexity.

Gilmore Girls Episodes

Learn where this book on the Gilmore Girls books list was referenced:

Season 1, Episode 17 (“The Break-Up, Part II”)	Lorelai implies that a Chilton party will be as depressing as The Bell Jar.
Season 2, Episode 5 (“Nick & Nora/Sid & Nancy”)	On Rory’s bookshelf
Season2, Episode 12 (“Richard in Stars Hollow”)	In Rory’s drawer
Season2, Episode 15 (“Lost and Found”)	Rory buys it at the book sale.

Best Quote

“I’m not afraid of being lost. We all wander off from time to time. It’s the fear of never quite finding myself that keeps me up at night.”

Book Review

Plot Description

The Bell Jar is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows Esther Greenwood, a talented young woman who struggles with depression and identity in 1950s America.

As she faces societal pressure, career uncertainty, and mental illness, Esther’s world begins to feel isolating and suffocating.

The Bell Jar broke barriers by normalizing mental health issues and depicting the harms of electroconvulsive therapy.

Why It Matters on Gilmore Girls

The Bell Jar is the perfect Gilmore Girls read. It’s raw in its depictions of femininity, its limitations, and the hardships of American life, even for those who reach their career goals.

Like Esther Greenwood in The Bell Jar, Rory Gilmore is ambitious, driven, and seeks a career in journalism. Esther’s struggles foreshadow that Rory’s dreams may not be as easily achieved as she believes while reading books on Season One of Gilmore Girls.

Who It’s Best For

The Bell Jar works best for new adult female readers.

It also works well for readers who want a short, easy classic.

Reading Tips

Know that this book is semi-autobiographical. It was Plath’s only novel, and she died shortly after its publication.
Note that trigger warnings for The Bell Jar include depression, suicidal ideation and attempts, self-harm, electroconvulsive therapy, sexual assault, disordered eating, and body image issues.
Pair it with The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath, which Rory Gilmore famously read at the bus stop during Season 1, Episode 12 of Gilmore Girls (“Double Date”).

Aesthetic

Frequently Asked Question

What does Lorelai Gilmore say about The Bell Jar?

In Season 1, Episode 17 (“The Break-up, Part II”) of Gilmore Girls, Lorelai implies a Chilton party will be as depressing as this book. Lorelai: “You’re going to a Chilton party?” Rory: “Yes, I am.” Lorelai: “Honey, why don’t you just stay home and read The Bell Jar? Same effect.”