In Sylvia Plath's "The Bell Jar," the story begins with a sense of confusion and unease during a hot summer marked by the controversial execution of the Rosenbergs. The protagonist, Esther Greenwood, finds herself in New York, grappling with her identity and purpose as she navigates the pressures of society and her own mental health struggles. The oppressive atmosphere of the season reflects the turmoil within her, setting the stage for her journey of self-discovery.

The mention of the Rosenbergs highlights the political tensions of the time and serves as a backdrop to Esther's personal challenges. This historical context emphasizes the existential doubts and feelings of alienation that pervade her experience, as she feels lost and disconnected from the world around her. Plath uses this summer as a metaphor for Esther's internal conflict, illustrating how external events can influence one's inner life and contribute to a broader sense of despair.