The Bell Jar Three Act Plot Analysis

Act I

Esther experiences a series of crises in the summer before her senior year in college that lead her to contemplate suicide.

Act II

After a few half-hearted attempts at suicide, Esther attempts to kill herself by swallowing a bottleful of sleeping pills, but she fails.

Act III

Esther undergoes treatment at a psychiatric institution. The novel ends as she prepares for her exit interview at the institution.