<P> The majority of early readers focused primarily on autobiographical connections from Plath to the protagonist . In response to autobiographical criticism, critic Elizabeth Hardwick urged that readers distinguish between Plath as a writer and Plath as an "event ." Robert Scholes, writing for The New York Times, praised the novel's "sharp and uncanny descriptions ." Mason Harris of the West Coast Review complimented the novel as using "the' distorted lens' of madness (to give) an authentic vision of a period which exalted the most oppressive ideal of reason and stability ." Howard Moss of The New Yorker gave a mixed review, praising the "black comedy" of the novel, but added that there was "something girlish in its manner (that) betrays the hand of the amateur novelist ." </P> <P> The Bell Jar has been referred to many times in the popular media, including Gilmore Girls, The Simpsons, Family Guy, Warehouse 13, Robot Chicken and in the finale of Master of None . When Heather Chandler crashes through the glass table in Heathers, CliffsNotes for The Bell Jar are seen on the floor . Immediately after this sighting, J.D. decides to frame Heather's death as a suicide . Iris Jamahl Dunkle wrote of the novel that "often, when the novel appears in American films and television series, it stands as a symbol for teenage angst ." </P> <P> Larry Peerce's The Bell Jar (1979) starred Marilyn Hassett as Esther Greenwood, the protagonist and featured the tagline: "Sometimes just being a woman is an act of courage ." In the film, Joan attempts to get Esther to agree to a suicide pact, an incident which is not in the book . Joan is implied to be a lesbian in Plath's novel . </P> <P> In July 2016, it was announced that Kirsten Dunst would be making her directorial debut with an adaptation of The Bell Jar starring Dakota Fanning as Esther Greenwood . </P>

Historical information about the period of publication of the bell jar