The Yellow Wallpaper

the yellow wallpaper

The Yellow Wallpaper

Several times at the beginning of the story, the narrator says such things as “What is one to do?” and “What can we do?” What do these comments refer to? What, if anything, do they suggest about women’s roles at the time the story was written?

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Last updated by Aslan
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The narrator’s desire to have more in her life than John and her child does not correspond to social expectations. Moreover, her love of writing and creativity further distinguishes her from the idealized “angel of the house” that she is supposed to emulate. Women were forced to play narrow domestic roles. The narrator clearly needs more but feels a sense of futility when confronted with transcending her gender role.

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