Oppression of women: degradation
Marianna Wesolowski
How oppression effects the mental state of women: exploring the numerous results of oppression throughout "The Yellow Wall Paper" and life in the 1900s.
Topics Covered:
- Discrimination of women
-1900s Gender Roles
-Depression in the 1900s v. Now
-Rest Cure
-Gilman's use of Diction and Imagery to further bring forth the work
Discrimination of Women Due to Gender Roles in the 1900s
*women were viewed as less meaningful in a family; smaller
*required to surrender control of property to their husband upon marriage
*Unable to participate in athletic programs
*Employment Discrimination
Gender Roles- a set of societal norms dictating what types of behaviors are acceptable, appropriate, or desirable for a person based on their sex
-"I meant to be such a help to John...nobody would believe what an effort it is to do what little I am able...to dress, and entertain, and order things." (Gilman 29)
Men
* Powerful
*Active
*Brave
*Logical
*Independent
*Public
*Private
Women
*Weak
*Passive
*Timid
*Domestic
*Dependent
*Pure
*Private
*Emotional- susceptible to madness, and hysteria
-" I have a Scheduled prescription for each hour in the day; he takes all care for me.."
(Gilman 28)
Rest Cure and Depression Treatments in the 1900s v. Today
*Prescribed more frequently for women than men
*Six to eight weeks of complete isolation
*enforced bed rest while on a fatty or milk based diet
*reduced to the dependency of an infant: nurses cleaned, fed, and turned them in bed
*Massages and electrotherapy to maintain muscle tone
-" ...he says he would as soon put fireworks in my pillowcase as to let me have those stimulating people about now." (Gilman 30)
Depression- feelings of severe despondency and dejection
1900s Treatment
*Rest cure: believed that relaxing and de-stressing would positively improve the condition
Treatment Today
*Therapy, Medication, and Lifestyle Changes
*Learning as much as possible about the condition
*Taking time to find the right treatment
*Not being fully dependent on medication alone
*Social support
*Time and commitment
Author Appreciation: Gilman's use of Diction and Imagery
- Vivid words
-Descriptive
-Elaborates on her thoughts throughout the work
-Thought provoking
-Enticing; prompts one to continue reading
- provokes curiosity throughout the work
-Deeper understanding of her mental condition causing thoughts and actions
Imagery:
*Easy to picture each individual scene and the setting in the work
*Gain a strong understanding of what is being spoken of
*Brings the work to life with vivid description and detail
-Top half of page 33; elaborate wall paper description