Controversial Language

No controversy exists in inappropriate language i.e. swearing and vulgarity. However, the fact that she is advocating a detached and depressed outlook on life is unacceptable probably because it can almost make the reader depressed as well. The controversy exists in her descriptions of her thoughts and feelings; she is depressed and going mad, literally. She contemplates death and suicide, as well as hatred and lack of realtionships in her life. She can't develope real friendships because she doesn't think anyone is worthy, almost, because her want for complete self-control and complete independence always takes over. Also, another very controversial aspect is her thoughts on sex; she feels like she needs to lose her virginity since Buddy did, and she doens't see the point in waiting until marriage because she can't develop a real and healthy relationship with a man anyway. She demorals herself when she loses her virginity, and the fact that she actually does this and the way that it is done degrades women in a sense. Self-respect, at this point in the novel, flies out the window for Esther because even though a "burden" (Stranglely enough it is considered a burden???) has been lifted, she knows what she did is wrong. This book was obviously banned for the sexual content (its not vulgar, but it exists in the fact that women are almost degraded) and the depression aspects which lead to her suicide. Also, the suicide is the main point why it was banned probably, but in the entire scheme of events in the novel makes the suicide seem inevitable; its like its
no big deal" and it finally happens... overall, its pretty controversial in the language since her thoughts about her life, which are so distrubing, are presented extremely bluntly.