Critical Theory Presentation Secondary Source- “The Yellow Wallpaper” Article=Afterword to the Yellow Wallpaper

“Afterword to ‘The Yellow Wallpaper’” Main argument(s)= exposes the life of Gilman as a feminist and her impact on feminist writing in a time where many female writers were not. Also, identifies many of the writers during Gilman’s time and shortly after.

Main points Tells about her life before and after writing “The Yellow Wallpaper” Autobiographical account of Gilman’s own psychotic breakdown Gives an in-depth summary and analysis of the story’s events Discusses how “The Yellow Wallpaper” was heavily criticized when first published Gilman and her writing fought against traditional gender roles

Critical Approach #1=Biographical When applied to my secondary source, I found… It focuses on the events of the story based on Gilman’s own life. It addresses her childhood up until her death, and emphasizes key points like marriages and personal beliefs. It emphasizes how similar Gilman’s own psychotic breakdown and use of bed rest was to the narrator.

What emerges when applying this lens to the short story? The similarities between Gilman and the narrator Bed rest Psychotic breakdown Gilman’s role as an early feminist Story was ahead of its time

Critical Approach #2=Gender “The Yellow Wallpaper” Male-dominated society Fighting against gender roles and women’s rights Roles reversed at the end Secondary Source Talks about the traditional gender roles Cleaning house and role with children Wallpaper is a symbol for gender inequality

Critical Approach #3=New Historicism When I used the secondary source, some things that emerged are… The psychiatric treatments were rudimentary and many went unhealed. Women’s rights were unheard of during this time period When published, "The Yellow Wallpaper” was hit by many critical reviews

What emerges when applying this lens to the short story? Gilman was reflecting on the changes that needed to be made with gender inequality. Placing the piece in the context of our time period, how does it change? Women’s rights Gender equality Improved treatments for mentally ill