The Bell Jar and J.D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye are two classic novels set in 1950's America with the pains of adulthood and alienation from society as major themes. The protagonists, Esther Greenwood and Holden Caufield, are both young individuals who suffer from mental problems and feel isolated from their peers. By no coincidence, both character's breakdowns begin in the great New York City and eventually land them in mental institutions.
Esther and Holden both struggle with the adjustment from childhood to adulthood as they experience loss. Esther lost her father when she was 8, but the trauma of losing brother Ali is still fresh for Holden. Their respective losses impact the actions of the characters later in the novel, and contribute to the overall isolation they feel from society. However, Holden is effected more by the loss than Esther, which can be seen through his constant mentions of his late brother.
Both characters experience alienation from society due to their foggy mental states. The first person point of view of the novel contributes to the isolation and loneliness each characters feels. Both Esther and Holden struggle to maintain healthy relationships with members of the opposite sex. Holden desperately craves a positive female connection, but is unable to find a girl that meets his high standards. While Esther's relationship with Buddy Willard may appear "healthy" (as it is the societal norm), she constantly questions its legitimacy and ultimately it causes her more anguish than happiness. Because of their failed relationships, Esther and Holden are discouraged and sent into further mental turmoil.
At the conclusion of The Bell Jar, Esther has finally recovered from her depression and rejoins society. However, Catcher in the Rye readers and left hanging as to whether Holden recovers after his downward spiral and whether or not he returns to normal life.
Esther and Holden both struggle with the adjustment from childhood to adulthood as they experience loss. Esther lost her father when she was 8, but the trauma of losing brother Ali is still fresh for Holden. Their respective losses impact the actions of the characters later in the novel, and contribute to the overall isolation they feel from society. However, Holden is effected more by the loss than Esther, which can be seen through his constant mentions of his late brother.
Both characters experience alienation from society due to their foggy mental states. The first person point of view of the novel contributes to the isolation and loneliness each characters feels. Both Esther and Holden struggle to maintain healthy relationships with members of the opposite sex. Holden desperately craves a positive female connection, but is unable to find a girl that meets his high standards. While Esther's relationship with Buddy Willard may appear "healthy" (as it is the societal norm), she constantly questions its legitimacy and ultimately it causes her more anguish than happiness. Because of their failed relationships, Esther and Holden are discouraged and sent into further mental turmoil.
At the conclusion of The Bell Jar, Esther has finally recovered from her depression and rejoins society. However, Catcher in the Rye readers and left hanging as to whether Holden recovers after his downward spiral and whether or not he returns to normal life.