how does the narrator’s relationship to her husband change over the course of the story?

by Nestor Swift DDS 9 min read

Over the course of " The Yellow Wallpaper," the narrator changes from a normal, rational woman who is slightly perturbed by the fussy overprotectiveness of her husband to someone who has quite clearly been driven insane. The narrator begins by describing the ideas of her husband and brother, both physicians.

Full Answer

What is the relationship between the narrator and her husband?

The relationship between the narrator and her husband in "The Yellow Wallpaper" is strained at best. He is acting more like a father or authority figure than a spouse, forcing her to stay in her room and rest when she feels as though some mental stimulation would actually help her.

What situation does the narrator find herself in at the beginning?

The situation that the narrator finds herself at the beginning of the story is that both her husband and brother think she has an issue in her that can't be fixed. The room she has put in is worn down and quite lonesome as well as empty.

How does the narrator describe John in the story?

The narrator declares that “John is practical in the extreme” and she admits that she does get “unreasonably angry with John” at times, especially because he laughs at her and insists that, if she would only exercise “proper self-control,” then her condition would improve.

How is the narrator different from the woman in the wallpaper?

The difference of the narrator in the woman in the wallpaper is that unlike the woman trapped in the wallpaper in the narrator has the ability to free herself and become back to your life. Sets found in the same folder The yellow wallpaper test

How does the narrator's relationship with her husband change or evolve in the story?

How does the narrator's relationship with the husband evolve/change? Does her mental state improve or worsen? It changes as she becomes more self aware. The times she spending thinking and writing and looking at the wallpaper changes her outlook on things.

What is the relationship between the narrator and her husband?

The narrator was in a marriage whereby her husband dominated and treated her like a child. Her husband was the sole decision maker and since she lived in a society whereby women were never allowed to question their husband's decisio... ...

What is the narrator's relationship with her husband in The Yellow Wallpaper?

In the Yellow Wallpaper, What Was the Relationship between the Narrator and Her Husband? The narrator's condition and John's intention to cure her destroy their marriage. John treats his wife, not as a lover. She is an accessory to him.

How is the relationship between John and the narrator?

What is the relationship like between John and the narrator? It is a loving relationship, in which both parties have an equal say in matters. John is a pushover to the narrator's every whim and complaint. The narrator secretly hates John and wants out of their marriage as quickly as possible.

How would you describe the narrator's relationship with her husband John?

In the beginning of the story, the narrator has a very loving and appreciative view of John. She says how he is always so thoughtful to her and how he loves her and wants her to get better: “He is very careful and loving, and hardly lets me stir without special direction” (Gilman 320) and also “Dear John!

What is the relationship of Robert the blind man to his wife?

Metamorphosis of the Narrator in Cathedral by Raymond Carver The narrator's insensitivity reveals itself early in the story when his wife's blind friend, Robert, comes for a visit after the death of his wife.

What happens to the husband in The Yellow Wallpaper?

At the end of the story, as her husband lies on the floor unconscious, she crawls over him, symbolically rising over him. This is interpreted as a victory over her husband at the expense of her sanity.

What does The Yellow Wallpaper say about marriage?

Gilman tries to show how men dominate the marriage institution, but in the end, what is displayed is the ways women are weak and let men control them.

How does the husband treat his wife in The Yellow Wallpaper?

He cares for his wife, but the unequal relationship in which they find themselves prevents him from truly understanding her and her problems. By treating her as a “case” or a “wife” and not as a person with a will of her own, he helps destroy her, which is the last thing he wants.

What is Jennie's relationship to the narrator and what is her function in the story?

Jennie is the narrators sister-in-law and housekeeper for the family. She is one of the more minor characters but plays an important role in progressing the narrators illness.

How is the conflict between the narrator and the family resolved at the end of the story?

7. How is the conflict between the narrator and the family resolved at the end of the story? a. The family decides that, even though the narrator did a terrible thing, they will forgive her.

What can you infer about the narrator and her ideas about marriage from this remark John laughs at me of course but one expects that in marriage?

What can you infer about the narrators ideas about marriage from the remark - John laughs at me of course but one expects that in marriage? The narrator does not expect a husband to take his wifes ideas seriously.

What is the relationship between the narrator and her husband in The Yellow Wallpaper?

The relationship between the narrator and her husband in "The Yellow Wallpaper" is strained at best. He is acting more like a father or authority figure than a spouse, forcing her to stay in her room and rest when she feels as though some mental stimulation would actually help her. He infantilizes her, laughing at her and calling her pet names. She, meanwhile, grows worse as a result of his "treatment."

What does the narrator say about Jack laughing at his wife?

This quote tells us that John sees himself as superior to his wife, who is something to be laughed at.

Does John allow her to work?

The narrator says that John does not allow her to work at all or to have company, even though she feels that some mental and social stimulation would be good for her. However, she is not allowed to have a say in her treatment. In fact, she says that he “hardly lets [her] stir without special direction.”.

Does John the Doctor listen to the patient?

It quickly becomes clear that the doctor-patient relationship has superseded that of husband and wife between them. John appears to be the type of doctor who does not really listen to the patient, but relies entirely on his own medical training for diagnosis and treatment.

Is the narrator of Yellow Wallpaper reliable?

" The Yellow Wallpaper " has an unreliable narrator, but she becomes progressively less reliable as she descends into depression and insanity. At the beginning of the story, the narrator seems clear and focused. The first thing she reveals about her relationship with her husband is that he laughs at her rather than taking her concerns seriously. She then adds, tellingly, that one expects to be laughed at in a marriage. This suggests that her husband has never treated her as an equal or valued her opinion.

Why is the ending of the story seen as a victory in both defeat for the narrator?

The ending of the story is seen as a victory in both defeat for the narrator because she can finally free from the room she no longer wanted to be in and can be in a right State of mind. The way her situation is similar to the woman in the wallpaper is that the woman's are stuck in a wallpaper such as she is stuck in the room ...

How does the narrator start to gain sanity?

The narrator starts to begin in sane and gain sanity when she starts trip of the yellow wallpaper off-the-wall symbolizing her losing her mind. What also contributed to her sanity was when John would leave to work and left her with the nanny and she would not eat until her husband came contributing to her condition.

What does John's attitude toward his wife mean?

John's attitude toward his wife and the term of illnesses that he thinks her illness can be cured in a short period of time by isolating his wife and putting her in a room where she is alone. In the nursery symbolizes the need of having her child with her which could have contributed to what led to her illnesses.