Charlotte Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper” is a powerful example of how patriarchal society’s demands can crush a woman’s mental wellbeing. The protagonist in the story is a woman whose menta
writing multi-part question
Introduction
Charlotte Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper” is a powerful example of how patriarchal society’s demands can crush a woman’s mental wellbeing. The protagonist in the story is a woman whose mental state is slowly destroyed by the oppressive expectations of her traditional society. These expectations, primarily enforced by her husband, John, are oppressive and restrictive, preventing her from engaging in activities that could improve her mental health, such as writing. Through its exploration of the protagonist’s mental state and the expectations of a conservative society, “The Yellow Wallpaper” provides a poignant example of the damaging effects of patriarchal culture on women’s mental health.
Historical Context
In order to understand the implications of “The Yellow Wallpaper,” it is important to understand the historical context of the story. The story was written in the late 19th century, a time period in which women were considered fragile, emotional, and intellectually inferior to men. This pervasive belief led to a host of oppressive expectations for women, including obedience, submission, and conformity. These expectations were often enforced by men, such as the protagonist’s husband, who had the power to control and manipulate the women in their lives.
Women’s Mental Health and Conservative Culture
At the time when “The Yellow Wallpaper” was written, women’s mental health was not taken seriously. Mental disorders were often dismissed as “nervousness” or “hysteria,” and women were rarely given access to proper treatment or support. This was reflected in the protagonist’s situation, as her husband prescribed her a “rest treatment” that was ineffective and potentially harmful. His condescending attitude and refusal to take her needs seriously further harmed her mental health, demonstrating how conservative culture can undermine women’s mental wellbeing.
Patriarchal Society’s Demands and Mental Health
The expectations of a patriarchal society can have a profound impact on a woman’s mental health. As demonstrated in “The Yellow Wallpaper,” these expectations can lead to feelings of isolation, underappreciation, and a lack of access to creative expression. These feelings are compounded by the protagonist’s husband, who controls her actions and thoughts in an attempt to enforce his definition of “good” mental health. As a result, the protagonist’s mental state slowly deteriorates, demonstrating the damaging effects of oppressive expectations.
Feminist Reading of the Story
“The Yellow Wallpaper” can also be read as a feminist indictment of the oppressive nature of a patriarchal society. Through the protagonist’s struggle, the story highlights the larger social issues faced by women in a male-dominated world. Her final act of rebellion can be interpreted as a feminist gesture of resistance and empowerment, demonstrating the power of women to challenge oppressive systems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “The Yellow Wallpaper” provides a powerful example of how patriarchal society’s demands can crush a woman’s mental wellbeing. Through its exploration of the protagonist’s mental state and the expectations of a conservative society, the story highlights the damaging effects of oppressive expectations on women’s mental health. The story also serves as a feminist indictment of the oppressive characteristics of a patriarchal culture, demonstrating the power of women to challenge oppressive systems. Ultimately, “The Yellow Wallpaper” provides a poignant example of the damaging effects of patriarchal culture on women’s mental health.
Requirements:
Assignment:
Using a topic that derives from Charlotte Gilmans short story The Yellow Wallpaper, develop a 4-5 page thesis-driven essay in which you use 4-5 reliable, credible sources to support, detail, challenge, and exemplify your claim. Your sources must include at least 3 scholarly journal articles, 1 magazine or newspaper articles, and other highly reliable, well-established sources.
As part of the research process, produce an annotated bibliography in which you annotate three sources: summarize each source, assess the ways in which you should and should not use it (include an evaluation of the sources reliability), and include specific details (at least one quote) from it to be used in the essay.
To begin this process, compose a 1-page proposal where you describe the argument and claim you wish to make, along with providing me with your tentative thesis statement. Describe how you arrived at this argument. In other words, what problem or issues stuck out to you after reading this story. Then where you plan to go with this argument.
Objectives: Students will:
Responsibly, thoughtfully, and gracefully dialogue with other voices, maintaining their own voice as the leader in the essay and using sources as support.
Make original claims in response to others ideas.
Avoid logical fallacies in the construction of arguments.
Locate and employ strong, credible sources to further claims.
Utilize rhetorical appeals efficiently and meaningfully given the rhetorical situation.
Acknowledge and respond to at least one source-supported counterclaim.
Use accurate MLA format to document source material in the text and a Works Cited.
Rationale: The purpose of the researched argument paper is to develop research skills in conjunction with the skills necessary to compose sustained and supported arguments. Now we are moving outside Charlotte Gilmans story and making our claims as part of an ongoing academic discourse. We will position our argument within the existing conversation and use the voices of others to support and challenge our ideas. So we started with Charlotte Gilman, you should have considered an argument in response to this story, and now you are contextualizing your argument within what is currently being said about the topic in academic journals and reputable media. You may mention Gilman as a they say voice, but only in the intro, and you may find another relevant voice or reason for writing to engage with instead.
We will need to locate, incorporate, and cite academically credible sources. Keep in mind this is a formal, academic essay, so the tone and register we use should reflect that. No first person perspective should be used. You are writing as though submitting this paper for inclusion in the current body of knowledge within whichever discipline you are writing.
Calendar:
1-page proposal: Week 5
Rough Draft: Week 8
Final Draft: Week 12
Researched Argument Essay Rubric
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