Sylvia battles depression throughout the entirety of The Bell Jar. But it worsens after she is assaulted, gets rejected for a summer writing course she had been looking forward to and pulls away from her friends. There are a specific set of circumstances that lead to her hospitalization and this week we talk about the emotional and mental breakdown. We read excerpts that showcase her mental state and deterioration and also tie in grief over her father's death and how that contributes to the downward spiral.  Forgive the time lapse in reference to Halloween. I recorded a majority of this episode the week before to release the Monday after. But you know. Life happens.