Question

“The Yellow Wallpaper” uses the form of a secret journal. Why do you think the writer chose to structure the story this way? How would the story change if it were told using a more conventional point of view, such as a third person narrator?

Answer 1

In "The Yellow Wallpaper," the use of a secret journal format creates an intimate and personal portrayal of the protagonist's psychological state, emphasizing the story's emotional impact and themes of oppression. A third-person narrative would lessen this connection, altering the story's focus and its critique of societal pressures on women. This intimate perspective contributes to its popularity in college courses.

Step-by-step explanation:

Significance of Journal Structure in "The Yellow Wallpaper"

Charlotte Perkins Gilman used the form of a secret journal in "The Yellow Wallpaper" to provide an intimate and personal portrayal of the protagonist's psychological state. The first-person narrative allows readers to experience the oppressive realities of the protagonist's life and the gradual deterioration of her mental health. This choice of narrative structure enhances the story's emotional impact and emphasizes the personal and psychological themes present in the text.

If the story were told from a more conventional third-person point of view, the intimate connection between the reader and the protagonist could be lost. Readers might not gain the same level of insight into the protagonist's thoughts and feelings, and the sense of being confined within her mind would also be diminished. This shift in perspective could alter the story's focus and potentially reduce its effectiveness as a critique of women's oppression and the rest-cure treatment.

"The Yellow Wallpaper" evokes contemporary issues such as the critique of gender roles, the subjugation of women, and the treatment of mental health. These themes contribute to the story's enduring popularity in college courses, alongside its vivid imagery and compelling narrative style. By using a secret journal format, Gilman invites readers directly into the protagonist's mind, providing a personalized and disturbing vision of the societal pressures faced by women both in the past and present.

Answer 2

Answer: Your welcome hope this helps :D

Explanation: The narrator expresses how she feels when she sees John approach and she must put away her writing. Readers understand that she has been writing this text against the direct orders of John, her husband and doctor, who believes writing weakens her health. ... She simply is a writer and therefore must write.