Wednesday, January 30, 2008

The Yellow Wallpaper

Confusing, confusing, confusing! What was going through this author's head when he wrote this? After class discussion and debate you are still left with unanswered questions. All left to do was look for supportive evidence on how I now perceive this story.
I believe this women suffered from a post partum depression. Nothing that serious, but at that time this was probably not discovered yet, calling it just depression. Something now days that is cured by medicine, good diet, rest, and healthy environment.
John, her husband, keeps telling her that she suffers from a nervous depression sickness, and pretty much locks her away, treats her like a kid, and even laughs at her. Even know she says, "Personally, I believe that congenial work, with excitement and change, would do me good", (Gilman 367) she goes on to trust her husband by doing what he says is best for her.
As days and day pass on she starts to drive herself crazy. She goes on and on about this yellow wallpaper that she dreads in her room. Starting to see images in it. Noting too that if all I was allowed to do was sleep, go out in a certain area outside, and eat I would probably start using my imagination too.
There comes John, and I must put this away. (Gilman 368) Now this sentence provides evidence how he has all the power and she lets him rule.
Weeks go by and now there is a women image in the wallpaper with bars to prevent her from escaping. She is going crazy in that paper. Sound familiar? Now I started to see the whole context. She feels trapped! As her husband reminds her, "You know the place is doing you good." (Gilman 369)
Now the story makes sense. Just before the three months was over at this isolated house, she freaks. The text explains that she is angry enough to do something desperate. (Gilman 377) She needs to free herself! She starts ripping all the wallpaper of in reach throws the key to the door.
She feels her power now as he pounds on the door to let her in. Creeping around the room, "I got out at last". (Gilman 378) He opens the door in astonishment and faints making me believe he is stunned to see she has overpowered him.

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