The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath Black Boy by Richard Wright Ms. Rivers-11 Honors

 Are settings of stories significant? ◦ If yes, why? ◦ If no, why not?  If a setting of a story is changed, does the story still have the same effect? ◦ If yes, explain. ◦ If no, why not?

 The Bell Jar ◦ How are women viewed in 1950’s America? ◦ How are those suffering from mental illness viewed?  Black Boy ◦ How are blacks treated in 1930’s America? ◦ Why would Communism be appealing in 1930’s & 1940’s America? ◦ How is individuality perceived in 1930’s America?

 Autobiographical fiction  Plath writing in pre-feminist, repressive 1950’s America  Unable to deal with the pressure of society because of her mental illness  Critiques the medical profession & the treatment of those who suffer from mental illness

 Esther feels alienated from the world around her because of expectations placed upon her as a woman living in 1950’s. ◦ Desires to write but feels pressure to settle down & start a family ◦ Her intellect is respected but assumes she cannot be both a mother and a poet  Esther feels anxiety about her future. ◦ Longs to have sexual adventures that society denies her because of double standards ◦ Virgin or whore; submissive married woman or lonely, successful career woman

 Mostly critical view of medical profession ◦ Esther is troubled by the arrogance of doctors and their lack of sympathy. ◦ Dr. Gordon=unsympathetic, does not listen, prescribes traumatic shock therapy treatment ◦ Hospitals are frighteningly sanitized & authoritarian  Not all doctors shown in negative light ◦ Dr. Nolan=progressive, female doctor, attentive  Used talk therapy, insulin injections, electroshock therapy

 Autobiographical text  Despite irregular schooling, Wright became an avid reader, a writer, and intellectual  Portrays Wright’s boyhood in the Jim Crow South & struggles with the Communist party in Chicago  He faced considerable odds: ◦ A religious household which frowned upon idle thoughts & creativity ◦ Jim Crow Laws = black men considered the lowest of society

 Black Boy = emphasis on the word “black” ◦ Although it is a story about childhood, every moment the reader is aware of Wright’s skin color. ◦ He is not just growing up, he’s growing up black. ◦ Impossible to grow up without being labeled “black boy”

 Black Boy explores the idea that racism is a problem intrinsic in the very fabric of American society ◦ For Richard, its roots in American culture are so deep it is doubtful whether these roots can ever be destroyed.

 Wright observes the effects of racism not only on white/black relations but also relations among blacks as well.  Generally, whites in the novel, treat him poorly.  Effects of racism are so destructive, it prevents Richard from interacting normally even with whites who treat him with respect. (e.g. The Hoffmans, Mr. Crane)  Richard is surrounded by blacks who are unable or unwilling to accept his individuality and his gifts.  He criticizes the black community around him who are unable or unwilling to educate him properly.

 The American Communist Party attracted many idealists in 1930’s and 1940’s. ◦ Wright was particularly interested in confronting racism with Communism. ◦ Communists believed in the dignity of the people who seemed to suffer the most. ◦ Eventually, the increasingly authoritarian stance disappointed thinkers like Richard who joined with hopes for a better future.

 Richard is intensely individual. ◦ Struggles against dominant white culture in the South & in the North ◦ Struggles against his own black culture ◦ Neither culture know how to handle a brilliant, strong-willed, self-respecting black man ◦ Perceives his choices are to either conform or wither away but instead, he forges his own path  Defies these options: in Granny’s home, at school, in Chicago with the Communist party

 If these stories were set in a different time & different place, would they still have the same effect? ◦ If yes, give three reasons & support with examples from the texts. ◦ If no, give three reasons & support with examples from the texts.

 Reading texts while considering the historical context is often important in fully understanding what the author is trying to convey.  Setting is significant in any work of literature but changing the setting may or may not affect the author’s purpose or change the effect of the story being told.