The next four chapters describe Esther's psychiatric treatment at a private hospital, arranged and paid for by Philomena Guinea. Chapter 15 begins with Esther riding on gray plush seats in Mrs. Guinea's black Cadillac. We learn that Mrs. Guinea herself was, at one time, in an asylum also, and that she has inquired to find out if Esther's case involves a boy. Mrs. Greenwood has told her "No," which is true, but as the four chapters evolve, we see that part of Esther's problem does involve conflicts about sex. Esther is very dependent on dates with men if she is to have a good self-image.
As they ride along in the luxurious car, Esther's mother sits on one side and Esther's brother sits on the other; thus, Esther is prevented from jumping out of the car. Esther sinks back into her feelings of nothingness and tells us about her "bell jar," where she is trapped. She believes that she'd be in her own sour air in this bell jar, even if she were in Bangkok. We learn that the private hospital where she is going is adjacent to the big state hospital. This is our first clue about her new treatment. And it is not long before we see that Esther is still plotting new ways to kill herself.
When we meet the director of the hospital, we realize that Esther is again to be subjected to an institution that will try to mold her and train her. Two chapters later, Esther tells us herself that at least she is comfortable here, implying that the new treatment is perhaps no more effective than at the state hospital. Here, the patients seem to have more golf and badminton, and more attention is paid to fashion magazines. Is this, then, only a class difference? Dr. Nolan, Esther's new doctor, is a pleasant, understanding woman who assures Esther that her previous electro-shock therapy was not done properly. We discover that Esther is to be given insulin therapy, which will make her fat, and, at some point, it is suppose to induce a reaction somewhat like electro-shock. Is this enlightened medical practice?
