What does the protagonist in "The Bell Jar" struggle with?

In "The Bell Jar," the protagonist, Esther Greenwood, grapples with severe depression and suicidal ideation throughout the narrative. The novel provides an intimate glimpse into her mental health struggles, exploring the profound feelings of isolation, despair, and the sense of being trapped under a glass bell jar, which symbolizes her mental state. Esther's experiences reflect her emotional turmoil and the impact of societal expectations, particularly in the context of the 1950s. Her journey illustrates the complexity of mental illness and the stigmas surrounding it during that era, making the emotional and psychological exploration a central theme of the work. This deep exploration of mental health is what sets “The Bell Jar” apart, giving it a lasting significance in literature.