Dr. Nolan's empathy, relatability, and supportiveness set her apart from other characters in The Bell Jar, contributing to her role as one of the most influential figures in Esther's recovery. While Esther is drowning in uncertainty and doubt, Dr. Nolan is the only character she completely trusts, acting as a role model and mother figure to her.
From the beginning of their relationship, Esther recognizes something unique about Dr. Nolan and values her presence. She notes how Dr. Nolan is "a cross between Myrna Loy and [her] mother". This sense of motherly authority combined with the relatability of a younger person makes Dr. Nolan easier for Esther to respect, understand, and trust. In addition, Dr. Nolan's identity as a professional woman makes her a role model for Esther. In this regard, she's almost the exact opposite of Esther's mother. Mrs. Greenwood reinforces the sexual double standard and encourages her daughter to conform, while Dr. Nolan challenges the sexual double standard and encourages Esther to pursue whatever she wants. As their relationship progresses, Dr. Nolan starts to see that these societal expectations are a significant source of Esther's problems and recognizes that it's best for Esther to have some time away from her mother, who Esther sees as a representation of the sexual double standard. Dr. Nolan, unlike Mrs. Greenwood, understands why someone like Esther might feel dissatisfied with the sexual double standard, which helps Esther feel validated in her ambitions and concerns over her future.
Moreover, Dr. Nolan's support towards Esther allows their connection to become Esther's only trustworthy and honest relationship. The extent of this trust and support can be clearly identified when Dr. Nolan informs Esther of her first shock treatment at the asylum. In this scene, Esther is more upset about the possibility of Dr. Nolan betraying her than the shock treatment itself, showing how much their bond means to Esther. Dr. Nolan likely anticipates that Esther might feel this way but proceeds without telling her about the treatment too far in advance, knowing that the alternative would put unnecessary stress on Esther. During the shock treatment, Dr. Nolan stays by Esther's side as she understands how significant the treatment is for Esther and she includes Esther in figuring out the specifics of future shock treatments, assuring Esther that "[the length of your treatments] depends... on you and me". In a way, Dr. Nolan's patience and care for Esther provides her with another form of validation.
The validation Dr. Nolan offers to Esther allows Esther to establish a sense of self-acceptance, and the empathy Dr. Nolan provides for Esther helps Esther realize she isn't alone in a time where nobody else understands her. The beginning of their relationship marks the beginning of Esther's recovery, which shows how critical Dr. Nolan is to what could definitely be considered Esther's coming-of-age. Esther departs the asylum not only with the safety net of Dr. Nolan underneath her, but also with a newfound understanding that it's okay to be uncertain of the future while still being confident in herself.
I think you talk about a lot of great points in your blog post! I really liked Dr. Nolan's character, because like you said, she had a level of empathy that many characters in the book didn't have. I especially agree with your point about the shock treatment, and how you note that Esther is more upset at the idea that Dr. Nolan might have betrayed her, rather than the shock treatment itself. It was so interesting to see how Esther was thinking about how she wished that Dr. Nolan would've told her earlier (even though she would've lost sleep), only for Dr. Nolan to say that that was the exact reason why she waited. It was an interesting "mind-reading" moment that developed as a result of the connection between Esther and Dr. Nolan, something that Esther didn't have with other characters.
ReplyDeleteThis analysis of Dr. Nolan’s role in Esther’s recovery, and how she helps Esther develop, is super interesting! I also love the idea that you presented that Dr. Nolan is a key part of Esther’s coming-of-age, and plays a big part in the reason that she was able to accept herself and appear to move forward in the end. As you mentioned, not only does Esther leave and seem to end the story with more understanding and self-acceptance, but she also knows that she still has the “safety net” of Dr. Nolan underneath her as she moves forward. While Esther feels uncertain about the future still (as she discusses in the final chapter and which we had seen caused her distress, confusion, and fear before), she knows for certain that Dr. Nolan is there for her, that she is not alone, and that there are others that can help and understand her, as you described.
ReplyDeleteI also find it interesting how you illustrate Dr. Nolan helping Esther move forward in terms of the sexual double standard, and how this is one of the biggest places that Dr. Nolan and Mrs. Greenwood differ to Esther. Furthermore, because Dr. Nolan understands Esther and gives her choices and control over her own life (such as with birth control and with the shock treatments) as you mention, she is really able to assist Esther in her recovery. I agree and think her character is awesome too!
I've never really thought about how Esther sees her mother and Dr. Nolan representing the two different sides of the sexual double standard but I think it's super interesting how you talked about it. Ultimately, I feel like with everyone around Esther constantly criticizing her actions and even potential decisions, Dr. Nolan acts as a beacon of light for Esther as Dr. Nolan doesn't act condescending towards Esther even once, and completely supports her. In Esther's isolated bell jar, Dr. Nolan is the only one who can see and understand the world from Esther's point of view, which gives Esther comfort and validation, making her feel like she's not alone anymore.
ReplyDeleteWhile Dr. Nolan was a really great character and in my opinion, really essential to Esther's growth/recovery, am I the only one who felt kind of bad for Mrs. Greenwood? I feel like Dr. Nolan really started to become a replacement mother figure for Esther who felt animosity from her mother due to her perpetuation of sexual double standards and lack of understanding. However, I feel kind of bad for Mrs. Greenwood because I feel that her beliefs were very "standard" for her time and her ignorance for mental health was really, again, partly because it was so stigmatized and unknown at the time. It doesn't make Mrs. Greenwood's actions right but it doesn't make her a bad person in my opinion and still made it a little sad to me when Esther seemed to antagonize her mother so much while placing Dr. Nolan in this shining light. Despite this, I think Dr. Nolan was just a powerful push back against this sexual double standard that Esther hated and was a really important icon for females and this novel.
ReplyDeleteYeah I definitely felt bad for Mrs. Greenwood. I realize why Esther might want to distance herself and put Dr. Nolan on a bit of a pedestal, but I really do think Mrs. Greenwood was trying to help to the best of her abilities. Unfortunately, she fell into the trap of relying on social expectations and common misconceptions about mental health. Just like Esther, Mrs. Greenwood was a victim of her time; she almost lost her daughter because she didn't realize that what she was saying wasn't helping
DeleteDr. Nolan was such a likeable character and a breath of fresh air for Esther. After being misunderstood by the people closest to her throughout the whole novel, we are finally met with someone who Esther can get real help from. It does seem like everything about her was designed to be the perfect comfort for Esther, as you mentioned she was patient, kind, understanding, trustworthy, and like a mother to Esther.
ReplyDeleteI think Dr. Nolan really goes above and beyond throughout the book. She does not do the bare minimum like the other doctor but instead truly follows through on her hippocratic oath to help Esther. She helps Esther get birth control which is definitely outside of the field she is working with Esther but she recognizes what Esther needs and provides that. This isn't even taking into account that birth control was less socially acceptable then. Dr. Nolan does everything in her power to aid Esther and ensure her recovery. She is also very nice.
ReplyDelete