The Impact of 1950s American Society on The Bell Jar: A Reflection of the Era’s Social Norms and Pressures
The Impact of 1950s American Society on The Bell Jar: A Reflection of the Era’s Social Norms and Pressures
In The Bell Jar, Sylvia Plath uses the 1950s as a backdrop to explore the constraints and expectations placed on women during that time. Set in a period when gender roles were rigid and the pursuit of women’s personal fulfillment was often secondary to domestic responsibilities, the novel offers a critical look at how societal pressures shaped the mental health and sense of identity of young women like Esther Greenwood. By examining the social climate of the 1950s, Plath highlights the struggles women faced in reconciling their ambitions with the roles society expected them to play.
The 1950s: An Era of Social Conformity
The 1950s in America were marked by post-World War II prosperity, but this period was also one of extreme social conformity, particularly for women. With the return of soldiers from the war, women were encouraged to return to domestic life, abandoning the jobs they held during the war to make way for male employment. The ideal woman was envisioned as a homemaker—devoted to her husband and children—while careers and personal fulfillment were secondary concerns. This ideal was glorified in the media, and women were expected to marry young, maintain a household, and embrace motherhood.
This societal norm profoundly impacts Esther Greenwood, the protagonist of The Bell Jar. Although she is a bright, talented, and ambitious young woman, Esther feels immense pressure to fit into the prescribed mold. Throughout the novel, she grapples with the expectation to marry and become a traditional homemaker, which conflicts with her personal desires to become a writer and to pursue intellectual independence. Plath uses Esther’s internal battle to highlight the emotional and psychological toll that these rigid gender expectations can have on women.
The Disillusionment of the American Dream
The American Dream, which in the 1950s promised prosperity and fulfillment, was in many ways exclusive for women, especially those who sought autonomy or professional success. Esther experiences a disillusionment with this ideal, as she is faced with a world where her ambitions are in direct conflict with what is expected of her as a woman. Despite her intelligence and opportunities, she feels suffocated by the roles society has outlined for her. The path to success, both personally and professionally, seems blocked by these expectations.
Esther’s journey in the novel is one of awakening to the realization that the traditional American Dream is not only unattainable for her, but also undesirable. She sees a future that is narrow and confining, where her role is predetermined. Her eventual breakdown is, in part, a response to the realization that this dream—rooted in the ideals of domestic bliss and patriarchal values—is not one that will bring her happiness.
Mental Health and Gender in the 1950s
The impact of 1950s societal expectations on women’s mental health is another central theme in The Bell Jar. During this era, mental illness was often stigmatized and misunderstood, particularly for women. Women who didn’t fit into the prescribed roles were often labeled as “hysterical” or “unstable,” and their mental health struggles were frequently dismissed. This theme is evident in Esther’s interactions with the psychiatric system. She is diagnosed with depression and eventually institutionalized, yet the doctors she encounters seem more focused on treating her with physical methods—such as electroshock therapy—rather than exploring the psychological and societal factors contributing to her breakdown.
Esther’s experiences in psychiatric care underscore the gendered aspects of mental illness during this time. Women were often subjected to treatments that were not only ineffective but also dehumanizing. In Esther’s case, the psychiatric community’s inability to acknowledge the social and emotional pressures she faced as a woman in the 1950s highlights how mental illness in women was misunderstood and mistreated during that time.
Conclusion: A Critical Reflection on Gender Norms
In conclusion, The Bell Jar provides a critical look at how the social climate of the 1950s—particularly the rigid gender roles and societal expectations—shaped the experiences of women, especially those like Esther Greenwood, who sought to break free from those constraints. Through Esther’s struggle, Plath exposes the deep emotional and psychological cost of conformity in a society that valued women primarily for their domestic roles. The novel remains a powerful commentary on how societal pressures can impact mental health and identity, making it as relevant today as it was when it was first published.
