Assignment Questions On 'The Yellow Wallpaper'
The Yellow Wallpaper Questions:
1. What is the root of "hysteria"? Consider the prejudice in labeling “women’s diseases," including nervousness and depression (are others mentioned in the story?). What about "postpartum depression"? Consider the prejudice in labeling "women's diseases.
Hysteria is from the Greek word “Hustera” meaning womb. In the late 19th century it was used to label a number of women’s diseases believed to stem from a disturbance of the uterus. This would include childbirth, thus what is now called postpartum depression. Back then there was not a really good understanding of the relationship between giving birth and the mental stress it can cause in women. Likely Ms. Gilman, the author, was suffering from postpartum depression. …show more content…
What sort of therapy was offered in asylums such as Weir Mitchell's?
The Rest “Cure” called for absolute rest and, as we now see, this actually worsened mental problems. Alone, inactive, and isolated is likely the worse situation for someone with a mental illness to be in.
How will it affect her?
The inactivity will increase her depression.
Study Guide for "The Yellow Wallpaper"
Vocabulary
impertinence – lack of respect; rudeness fatuity – a lack of intelligence combined with complacency querulous – to complain in a petulant or whining manner arabesque – a posture in ballet; ornamental design consisting of intertwined flowing lines
derision – contemptuous ridicule or mockery chintz – printed cotton fabric with a glazed finish felicity – quality or state of being happy arbor – a shelter of vines or branches or latticework
Romanesque – style of architecture in Western Europe 9-12 centuries delirium tremens – violent psychotic condition usually associated with withdrawals plantain – a low growing tropical plant
Alienist (see below) specialist accepted as an authority on mental competence in a court of law
Neurasthenia – a psychological disorder associated with emotional
1. What is the root of "hysteria"? Consider the prejudice in labeling “women’s diseases," including nervousness and depression (are others mentioned in the story?). What about "postpartum depression"? Consider the prejudice in labeling "women's diseases.
Hysteria is from the Greek word “Hustera” meaning womb. In the late 19th century it was used to label a number of women’s diseases believed to stem from a disturbance of the uterus. This would include childbirth, thus what is now called postpartum depression. Back then there was not a really good understanding of the relationship between giving birth and the mental stress it can cause in women. Likely Ms. Gilman, the author, was suffering from postpartum depression. …show more content…
What sort of therapy was offered in asylums such as Weir Mitchell's?
The Rest “Cure” called for absolute rest and, as we now see, this actually worsened mental problems. Alone, inactive, and isolated is likely the worse situation for someone with a mental illness to be in.
How will it affect her?
The inactivity will increase her depression.
Study Guide for "The Yellow Wallpaper"
Vocabulary
impertinence – lack of respect; rudeness fatuity – a lack of intelligence combined with complacency querulous – to complain in a petulant or whining manner arabesque – a posture in ballet; ornamental design consisting of intertwined flowing lines
derision – contemptuous ridicule or mockery chintz – printed cotton fabric with a glazed finish felicity – quality or state of being happy arbor – a shelter of vines or branches or latticework
Romanesque – style of architecture in Western Europe 9-12 centuries delirium tremens – violent psychotic condition usually associated with withdrawals plantain – a low growing tropical plant
Alienist (see below) specialist accepted as an authority on mental competence in a court of law
Neurasthenia – a psychological disorder associated with emotional