Oppression of the Female in "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Feminist Theories
• Comparison Marriage
• Comparison Education/ Career
• Comparison Domesticity/ Motherhood
• The Bell Jar
• Role models
• Fake Identities
• Relation to Men and Sexuality
• Motherhood
• The Symbol of the Fig-Tree
• Apparent opportunities for women in the 1950's
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis aims to investigate how female authors presented their perspectives on a gender-restrictive era by analyzing two feminist theories and Sylvia Plath's novel, *The Bell Jar*. The primary focus is to explore how these works address issues of femininity and redefine gender roles within their respective historical contexts.

• Oppression of women in a patriarchal system
• The impact of social expectations and limitations on women's lives
• The struggle to achieve personal identity and fulfillment in a restrictive society
• The changing role of women in society and the challenges they face
• The symbolism and imagery used to depict female experiences and societal pressures

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: This chapter provides a general overview of the thesis's objectives, focusing on the importance of feminist literature in challenging established ideals of femininity. It introduces the two feminist theories and Sylvia Plath's novel that will be analyzed throughout the thesis.
• Feminist Theories: This chapter compares Margaret Fuller's *Woman in the Nineteenth Century* and Betty Friedan's *The Feminine Mystique*, examining how their descriptions of oppression differ or evolve across time. It highlights the key concepts that will be used to understand the situation of Sylvia Plath's protagonist.
• Comparison Marriage: This chapter explores how both Fuller and Friedan viewed marriage as a restrictive institution that limited women's freedom and autonomy. It analyzes their criticisms of traditional marriage practices and their visions of a more equitable partnership.
• The Bell Jar: This chapter delves into Sylvia Plath's novel, introducing the main characters and their relationships. It focuses on how Plath uses her characters, their interactions, and medical institutions to illustrate the oppressive system of 1950s America.
• The Symbol of the Fig-Tree: This chapter examines the significance of the fig-tree symbol in *The Bell Jar* and how it relates to the opportunities and challenges faced by women in the 1950s.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This thesis examines feminist literature, focusing on themes of gender roles, societal expectations, female oppression, and personal identity. Key terms include feminism, patriarchy, restrictive society, femininity, identity crisis, marriage, education, career, motherhood, domesticity, and the symbolism of the fig-tree.