The role of John in The Yellow Wallpaper PORTFOLIO

The Yellow Wallpaper was an enjoyable piece to read. She was really able to convey the mass pandemonium that was happening inside of her mind through her choice of words. Half way through reading the piece, I had to sit back and take a breath!

We talked quite a bit about her husband John and his character within the story. The class had mixed feelings on his role in the story and if he was a positive influence in her life. Interestingly, I thought that he was helpful and good for her but not everyone agreed with me (which is a good thing!!). I thought more about my initial feelings on him and went back and read some passages in which he is discussed. The more I think about it, perhaps he was a bit condescending and made her seem like a pathetic case. When I think back on when I seemed the most stressed out, I would have probably enjoyed being "babied" but that is just me. Gilman seems like she is more independent (I've gathered that from her writing style) and perhaps less endeared by the "babying" that John gives her.

Just wanted to follow up on my comments in class!