The Yellow Wallpaper
While reading Gilman's piece I began to wonder about the relationship between the narrator and her husband John. Throughout the story, John (the doctor), discouraged the narrator to do anything besides lay in bed and REST. He took it upon his own authority to cage her up in a room and wouldn't allow her to stimulate her mind whatsoever. No wonder this lady went insane.
We can see his discouraging attitude on page 370 when the narrator states " There comes john, i must put this away, - he hates to have me write a word." What kind of doctor actually believes that writing could affect her condition negatively?
In a way, it makes me wonder if his actions of trying to supposedly heal her, were really actions trying to restrain her from expressing herself as more than just a housewife, but as an intellectual. Would the doctor actually be threatened by the idea of his "little girl" becoming something more? I think so.
Do you think this idea is still prevalent in today's society?
I completely agree with what you say about John being afraid to let his wife express herself too much. He's comfortable with a housewife and doesn't want anything more challenging. Thank goodness this issue is not as prevalent in today's society, but it is sadly still a factor in some cases. One of my biggest pet peeves is when one of my friends acts submissive to her boyfriend, or wont do something like go out on the weekends with her friends because he doesn't want her to. I hate it when girls put themselves in situations like this willingly, and i can't understand why they do it! ughh!
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