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.