The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

CollegeReader · Post by **CollegeReader** » 03 Apr 2007, 17:18

This is a short story I have read numerous times. I love it.

It was first published in 1889 and the author had experienced mental breakdowns. After being told she should spend her life as a recluse and refrain from practicing intellect, she claims she nearly went mad. This story resulted.

Anyway, most of you have read it, I'm sure, and if you haven't, it's worth your time.

Thoughts?

notrorygilmore · Post by **notrorygilmore** » 04 Apr 2007, 16:11

I have had to read this for many classes as well. The first time I was confused by it, but the second time I read it I loved it. I love the way the story is written and how it tells the story of her breakdown.

CollegeReader · Post by **CollegeReader** » 07 Apr 2007, 02:04

notrorygilmore ...

What did you think the yellow wallpaper really was? I talked to someone once who thought it was a hospital curtain separating her from somebody else which is why it moved and she heard voices. That never made complete sense to me, but maybe ...

I did find it interesting how she described the bars on the window as being part of a "playground" or "gymnasium" for kids.

Thanks for your thoughts!

notrorygilmore · Post by **notrorygilmore** » 07 Apr 2007, 15:15

I honestly don't remember what I thought it was.

It's been so long ago and I don't usually forget things like this, but I can not remember what I thought the yellow wallpaper was.

I do remember when I read the it second time, a few years later, I instantly knew what was going on. Then a few days later I realized it was the same story I'd read before with a different understanding. I remember laughing at myself for being so off.

If I do remember what I thought it was, I'll let you know. This is going to bother me until I remember!

Sofia · Post by **Sofia** » 14 Jun 2007, 13:12

I read this a little while back, but I do remember really enjoying it. I may even reread it sometime.

Hippykitty · Post by **Hippykitty** » 18 Jun 2007, 01:15

I read this as an ebook recently. I'm not used to reading fiction on computer, so this may have contributed to my increasing confusion concerning what the narrative was about. I realised that it was an extended metaphor for the restricted lives of women, but at the end it had me wondering about whether it was a ghost story, and the 'figure behind the wallpaper' was some kind of spectre. I'm aware that yellow pigment used to contain arsenic, so became thoroughly confused by the multitude of possible interpretations.

The story is like a poem: it contains layers of possibilities. At least, that's the conclusion I came to.

NSUSA · Post by **NSUSA** » 15 Dec 2007, 07:13

It sounds interesting. Is there anywhere that I can read that story online?

saracen77 · Post by **saracen77** » 15 Dec 2007, 13:05

I found it here

At the moment I have no idea what to think about it. Sounds like it's the diary of someone suffering from post natal depression, and getting worse by the minute.

But then, could be the ghost story.

I think a second reading is in order.

KaeMartyndale · Post by **KaeMartyndale** » 26 Mar 2008, 12:19

I read this story a while ago, and I remember being frustrated with the story because it didn't seem to make any sense.

However, I think that I will give it a re-read. I think that now I'm not forced to read it for English class, I may appreciate it more.