So I began to think maybe it was true that when you were married and had children it was like being brainwashed, and afterward you went about as numb as a slave in a totalitarian state.
The quote from Sylvia Plath's "The Bell Jar" reflects a profound sense of disillusionment experienced by individuals in societal roles of marriage and parenthood. It suggests that these commitments can create a loss of autonomy, making people feel as though they have been stripped of their identities, similar to the indoctrination faced by those living under oppressive regimes. This analogy highlights the emotional and psychological constraints that can accompany traditional familial responsibilities.
Plath's perspective raises important questions about personal freedom and societal expectations. The comparison to a slave under a totalitarian state implies a struggle against conformism and the internal conflict that arises when one's desires and individuality are suppressed. This resonates with many who feel that the demands of family life can lead to a sense of numbness, where true feelings and aspirations are buried beneath the weight of obligation.
