Male-Female Relationships in Bell Jar: Esther and Buddy

Bell Jar
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Male-Female Relationships in Bell Jar: Esther and Buddy
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Bell Jar
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Male female relationships have since in history always been governed by various
controversies. The way that the two genders should relate has always been marred by
misunderstandings that have often led to serious social consequences. Esther, the protagonist in
the novel Bell Jar, is a perfect character that can be used to exemplify male-female relationships
particularly in the 20th century. Plath brilliantly crafts the character Esther as well as that of the
men in her life to hint on the undesirable relationships between men and women. Throughout the
text, Esther’s relationship with men are characterized by dominance, mistreatment, male pride
and female exploitation. Particularly, the relationship between Esther and Buddy Willard proves
that there exists a clearly demarcated boundary between men and women in the society.
Buddy Willard is an ideal character to illustrate the impact of male relationships in
Esther’s life as he happens to be her boyfriend though she drops him. Buddy is a typical
American male of the 1950s who knows his place in the society as well as his privileges. Esther,
on the other hand, is too naïve to realize that she too has a place to fit in the society. Even though
Esther appreciates Buddy, this is not reciprocated.
The rewards for her are thoughtless belittling expressions meant to put off her flame
completely. Buddy tells Esther that her passion for poetry will die as soon as she becomes a
mother (Plath, 1963, p. 108). Esther is a virgin but realizes that Buddy has been sleeping with
a waitress while still in their relationship. Buddy is not apologetic about it as it is totally
acceptable behavior among the men of his time.
Esther’s relationship with Buddy is a prove enough that women are subordinates in the
eyes of the men. Plath reaffirms the fact that the existing society had no much respect for women
as it held for men. She conveys the message that the male gender does not in any way support