The Yellow Wallpaper

In The Yellow Wallpaper, we see Perkins Gilman writing to affect change in, arguably, several different ways. The short story illustrates references to women's rights, gender roles, and post partum depression. She obviously thinks that there is an increased need for women's rights in the twentieth century just from the symbolism the text uses. On page 364, the narrator says, "I pulled and she shook, and I shook and she pulled, and before morning we had peeled off yards of that paper." In this scene the narrator is trying to free the woman from the wallpaper, which I took to symbolize the barrier that was holding women back from being prominent and valuable members of society. So in this instance, Perkins Gilman is promoting a change in society for women's rights. She further advocates change in gender roles throughout the text when referring to her husband, John. On page 356 it says, "I have a schedule prescription for each hour in the day; he takes all care from me, and so I feel basely ungrateful not to value it more." The author is plainly stating the fact that this woman feels worthless because her husband is controlling all aspects of her life-even by telling her what to do each hour of the day. Women were understood to be emotional, weak, and molded, while men controlling, manipulative, and smarter humans. And finally there is a hinting of post-partum depression that lingers in the story, from the beginning when she is talking about her baby, whom she isn't allowed to see as per her "treatment". " Such a dear baby...And yet I cannot be with him, it makes me so nervous." (page 357). The woman clearly has severe issues and depression following the birth of their child, which others around her viewed as an imaginary illness so they almost mocked her by treating her as if she was ill. And it was the treatment that drove her mad, I would go crazy too if I was isolated for weeks at a time!

There are definitely other texts we have read that have subtly encouraged a change in society, the most memorable for me being A Whisper in the Dark. In that story, Sybil is sent to a mental institute, all because men assume her illness if insanity. When really the only thing that drove her insane was the treatment. On page 238 it says, "Your uncle sent you. The doctor has the care of you and that's all I know about it." Yet again, men and physicians are controlling women into thinking that there is something wrong with them, when really, it is the men and the doctors that need help.

Tom Sawyer

We talked about many different topics in class today, one of those being the concept of American boyhood. I just think it is so funny how different boys and girls are raised in America. Boys are expected to be devious, cunning, and charming while girls are expected to be prim, proper, and passive. On page 315, Aunt Polly says, "...man that is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble, as the Scripture says, and I reckon it's so." Parents almost encourage boys to be naughty and laugh it off if they do something wrong.
Another topic we discussed was the difference between country and city boys in nineteenth century America. City boys were exposed to a much harsher world than country boys, as we discussed and country boys could be doing the same things (like lying, stealing, etc.) and still be viewed as more innocent. Ragged Dick even worked as a honest man in the city, but yet readers still like Tom Sawyer more because they view him as more of a child. Tom Sawyer proved to be cunning, but lazy, especially when he persuades his friends to do his work for him. (page 328). Dick's work ethic was so much more honorable than Tom's tendency to try and get out of anything he was obligated to do. I loved Tom as a character, but I think it is frustrating with how America has the double standard for little boys and little girls.

The Yares of Black Moutain

The most interesting part of The Yales of Black Moutain was when the reader is told about how they refused to fight in the Civil War on the Confederate side.

I thought it was shocking to hear about someone who was brave enough to say no to something they thought was wrong, because in that time period it seemed as if everyone in the South had immense pride for the Confederacy. People still wave the flag today in fact. And it is especially ironic because readers today view this as bravery, while in the 1860’s it was viewed as cowardice. On page 28 the major interrogating Jonathan says, “This is not cowardice…why will you not go into the ranks? I believe in my heart that you are a Union man!” The major general is shocked with the fact that he would not want to fight for the confederacy and slavery and the South. Now it is seen as extreme courage in standing up for what you believe in, but I found it interesting that these Yares, this family that people expect nothing from, are stronger than most citizens in the Confederacy because they can speak for themselves.

Little Boys and Little Girls in Literature

The roles between little girls and little boys in nineteenth century literature are drastically different, especially when it comes to how society wishes to see these roles. American boys are meant to be mischievous and funny and rough around the edges, while American girls are meant to be refined and classy and moral. Authors picked up on this phenomenon and recognized that there are gender differences when it comes to raising children. Especially when it comes to religion, girls are supposed to be fully knowledgable about the Bible, but "boys will be boys" so if they don't study it every night it is not a big deal. Even in Ragged Dick, when asked if Dick reads the Bible he responds, "No...I've heard it's a good book, but I never read one. I ain't much on reading" (page 303). I can almost bet you that not one person in the reading audience questioned the fact that he never read the Bible, but in every book about little girls we have read thus far, religion is of utmost importance. Leaders in American society wanted the world to view us as a rags to riches type of place; you could come to America and make something for youself out of nothing (the typcial American Dream). But just like any other fairy tale, it's not as easy as it sounds. I also find it funny that Ragged Dick did have flaws-lying, playing practical jokes, etc.- but the audience still loved him. If Ellen Montgomery didn't make her toast perfectly then she would have be reprimanded. Society views boys as people who are born the way they are and can't be changed, and little girls are meant to be taught the morals. These differences provide readers today with a lot of information with how the world, and American society, has changed.

A Whisper in the Dark

The concept of insanity changes the text because everything makes more sense. The reason why she is so uncomfortably mature for her age, the reason why she never met her mother, and the reason why there was an awkward white elephant in the room in every scene when she would ask about her past or her future. Like on page 227 , " 'It may be foolish, but I should like to see m mother's grave.' You shall someday, Sybil.' and a curious change came over my uncle's face as he averted it." In that instance you see an awkward aversion to any subject of her family history or her future plans.

It alters the reader reception of the message because it opens up a whole new world of problems in this time period. I don't know of any other nineteenth century novel that talked about insanity until now. It also makes for a more interesting and mysterious plot, as most Gothic novels do. There is a heightened sense of suspense and it draws the reader in. After you find out she is actually crazy, as her mother was, you begin to want to keep turning the pages to find out what exactly she has, and how the story will end. The message is altered entirely because of the insanity card, it's like whenever a baby enters the picture: everything becomes more emotional and more mature.

It changes our previous ideas about important mother and daughter relationships in nineteenth-century society and fiction because normally we see such a strong bond between mothers and daughters. But in this novel, she has no contact with either of her parents, which conveys a message to the reader of the importance of a relationship with your parents. Look what happened to Sybil: she went crazy and she had delusional thoughts about hooking up with her "uncle". She was overtly flirty and promiscuous with family members, all at only seventeen; sexuality was never openly discussed in the nineteenth century, even if manipulation of men was around, it was discreet. I found the book very interesting and I liked that it didn't follow the good girl, decent family relationship, normal plot-it added some complex elements that tells the audience the utmost importance that is family relationships.

The Hidden Hand

As most students in this class will probably do, I have decided to use the excerpt from The Hidden Hand on page 179 that says, "...whether a girl in boy's clothes, or men's clothes, or soldier's clothes...treat her with the delicacy due to womanhood, sir! ay, and the tenderness owed to childhood! for she is but a bit of poor, friendless, motherless, fatherless child, lost and wandering in your great Babylon!" In this one excerpt, there is so much of the quintessential characterstics of the typical nineteenth century children's novel. For starters, Southworth of course bring up the typical stereotypes that surround gender roles, and how girls and boys should be raised differently. Girls are not supposed to do any work using their hands and are not supposed to partake in hard, blue-coller labor. This is why poor Capitola had to disguise herself as a boy so she could make an independent living for herself because she was an orphan in the city. Society wanted to teach girls to be like little Ellen Montgomery, who did as she was told, wore pretty dresses, and took care of the home. Independent figures like Capitola were unheard of until this novel, which was probably very refreshing for readers. Along with the assumed gender roles, this passage also references the Bible by talking about Babylon. Yet another important characterstic of novels written at this time, faith was of the upmost importance. And while the story doesn't quote it quite as directly as other works of literature, there are still subtle undertones that tell teh audience that Christian values must be enstilled. This was probably my favorite book to read in this class simply because it finally showcased a young girl with some sass and gumption.

Girls in Today's World

I agree that young girls are dealing with the same issues today as in the nineteenth century, however I feel like we have taught them new ways in becoming the modern version of a "lady". Rather than preach to them the importance of being the passive, Christian, women- without- opinions that used to be important, parents today teach their daughters how to be strong and independent and proud of their thoughts. In the novel The Lamplighter, the main character, Gerty, is taught how to clean the house and get dressed in nice clothes for when the men get home. On page 106 it says, "Women's hands had evidently been at work, clearing up and setting to rights." Obviously it was assumed that the women were meant to only do chores like housework and Christian work, rather than think for themselves. In our society today, I feel like more parents are encouraging their young girls to speak their mind, form their own opinions, and compete with men in the business world. Just like in the video clip with Amy Poehler, what is important to Anna is the need for her to find balance in everyday life. That means working hard, doing what you want to do, and somehow allevitating the stress that can build up form trying to do all things at once, like yoga. Most women in this day and age are expected to get a decent education, get a competative job, raise a family, and still be able to make dinner and keep her sanity. Raising a well-rounded woman is more important than raising a "lady" who just stands placidly behind a man (as nineteenth century authors liked to think of them). Things have changed in the aspect of what we are teaching our children, but they are still dealing with the issues of adolescnece, like low self-esteem like Gerty had, or uncontrolled spouts of anger. Parents just deal with them a different way. On page 90, Gerty threw a piece of wood at Nan Grant's head, which was an inappropriate and juvenile way of dealing with her emotions. Parents teach children to harness that anger and talk about it in a calm manner without acting like a toddler. Things are not different, but the way parents raise their girls is different.