"The Bell Jar" is a novel written by Sylvia Plath, published in 1963 under the pseudonym Victoria Lucas. The story follows Esther Greenwood, a young woman who struggles with her mental health while navigating societal expectations in 1950s America. The narrative explores themes of identity, depression, and the pressures faced by women. The title refers to the feeling of being trapped under a bell jar, symbolizing Esther's suffocating mental state. As she experiences a breakdown, the novel delves into her journey toward recovery, highlighting the challenges of finding one's place in the world amidst personal turmoil.