Who wrote "The Bell Jar," exploring themes of identity and mental illness?

"The Bell Jar," a semi-autobiographical novel, was written by Sylvia Plath. The narrative delves deeply into the protagonist's struggles with her identity and her experiences with mental illness, reflecting Plath's own challenges with depression and societal expectations. Through the character of Esther Greenwood, the novel examines the pressures on women and the search for selfhood in a restrictive society, making it a poignant exploration of individual identity amidst mental health struggles.

The other authors listed, while significant figures in literature, are known for different works and themes. Virginia Woolf, for instance, explored modernist themes and the female experience but is not linked to "The Bell Jar." Mary Shelley is celebrated for her Gothic novel "Frankenstein," focusing on creation and the implications of scientific advancement. Kate Chopin, known for works like "The Awakening," also addresses themes of identity but in a different cultural and historical context. Thus, Plath's specific focus on mental illness and identity in "The Bell Jar" defines it as her most notable contribution to literature.