Question

Read the following excerpt from an article by a literary critic.

In "The Yellow Wallpaper," Charlotte Perkins Gilman deeply criticizes the ideal of the "domestic woman" whose entire domain is limited to the household. In fact, Gilman herself was prescribed an extreme version of domesticity in the form of a "rest cure" by a misguided physician.Which statement most accurately identifies the theme that the critic is discussing and the historical context that affects the theme?

A. The theme is Charlotte Perkins Gilman herself, and the historical context is Gilman's exploration of domesticity.

B. The theme is the ideal of the "domestic woman," and the historical context is Gilman's own experience with domesticity.

C. The theme is the domain of the household, and the historical context is its presence in "The Yellow Wallpaper."

D. The theme is "The Yellow Wallpaper," and the historical context is the misguided physician and his controversial "rest cure."

Answer 1

I would personally choose B

Answer 2

Answer: B) The theme is the ideal of the "domestic woman," and the historical context is Gilman's own experience with domesticity.

Step-by-step explanation: In literature, the theme is the underlying message of a story, it is what critical belief about life is the author trying to convey in the writing of a novel, play, short story or poem. Usually this belief, or idea, is universal and transcends cultural barriers. In the given excerpt the author is discussing the theme of the "domestic woman" and explains how Gilman (author of "The Yellow Wallpaper) herself experienced being prescribed an extreme version of domesticity, so the correct answer is option B.