Esther has met two patients here. One is Miss Norris, who never speaks, and one is Valerie, who, we soon learn, has had a lobotomy. It is clear that "all of the most sophisticated treatments" are used in this hospital. At the end of Chapter 15, we find Esther moving up to the front of the ward where there is more sunlight. Miss Norris is moving back to Wymark. She is not progressing. And progress is the key to comfortable quarters. Esther has kept Miss Norris company for many hours, and yet this lady has never said a word. Into all this gloom, a person from Esther's past recognizes Esther and calls out. It is Joan Gilling, who is also a patient at the hospital.
Chapter 16 gives us an account of Joan's illness, and we see that she has had many experiences like Esther's and also that many of their perceptions are similar. In addition, Joan has collected newspaper clippings that tell about Esther's disappearance and attempted suicide and rescue. They are like two little girls in a conspiracy with each other against a cruel and insensitive world. Joan has collected her clippings in much the same way that Esther collected yellow journalism articles.
Esther has her first insulin reaction, and Dr. Nolan tells her that she will not be plagued by any more visitors. Esther then tells us that on her birthday, Mrs. Greenwood brought her roses; she threw them out, then told Dr. Nolan that she hates her mother. Dr. Nolan replies, "I suppose you do."
Chapter 17 begins with Esther's being told how lucky she is. She is moving up to Belsize. Esther feels, however, that she is not ready for that. Belsize is a hospital where the patients dress fashionably, where they play bridge, but even if it is more comfortable, the competition is fierce. One of the patients is a Mrs. Savage, who has been to Vassar. Plath could not have told us much more about Belsize in many pages of description. "Savage from Vassar" is all we need to know.
