Joan and Esther
TRIGGER WARNING: Suicide, depression Although not introduced until much later in the novel, I found the character Joan Gilling to be one of the most interesting in relation to Esther. Joan and Esther are noticeably very similar -- they're from the same hometown, church, and of similar age. Additionally, they both are very academically accomplished and capable, and both even dated Buddy Willard. The resemblance between the two characters is uncanny--so much so that it's hard to believe there's not some deeper meaning or symbolism behind Joan's character. The reader is kind of "forced" to compare the two women from the beginning, where Joan reads about Esther's suicide attempt in the newspaper. She (Joan) describes the same feelings of listlessness and depression that we see Esther goes through and as a result, promptly buys a plane ticket to New York, somewhat "inspired", thinking it would be easier to kill herself there. When she fails, she is mo...