Illustrations Courtesy of Cornell University Library,
Making of America Digital Collection
Gilman, Charlotte. "The Yellow Wallpaper"

1. The END! And what an end it is, do you think it's a positive or hopeful end? Why or why not? (Maryal)

2. Why would John faint? If he were trying to drive her insane wouldn't he be satisfied?

What does her continuing to "creep" over him mean?

What do you think he'll do when he wakes up?

Isn't the door open now? Can she now get out?

3. "It is so pleasant to be out in this great room and creep around as I please! " and "I suppose I shall have to get back behind the pattern when it comes night, and that is hard!" In Page 12 Narrator has completely transferred identity to the paper.

What does the time of day have to do with Narrator and the pattern?

What does this parallel in her own life?

4. What is the significance of "I've got out at last," said I, "in spite of you and Jane. And I've pulled off most of the paper, so you can't put me back!"

Who is JANE? (Maryal)

If Narrator is anxious not to be put back, who are the women she sees outside and why is she afraid of them and afraid to join them?

What does it mean that she "ropes" herself in for fear of going to the road? "But I am securely fastened now by my well-hidden rope—you don't get ME out in the road there!"

What can be made of all the images of escape and restraint in these passages? Are they symbolic, and if so, of what?

5. There seems to be a definite break between Pages 11 and 12, where does it come and what form does it take?

6. What is the meaning of this passage, "But I am here, and no person touches this paper but me—not ALIVE!"

7. What is the meaning of "She tried to get me out of the room—it was too patent!"

8. "The bedstead is fairly gnawed!" (Page 11) "I tried to lift and push it until I was lame, and then I got so angry I bit off a little piece at one corner—but it hurt my teeth."

What do the references to the condition of the bed mean?

9. "To jump out of the window might be admirable exercise, but the bars are too strong to try.

Besides I wouldn't do it. Of course not. I know well enough that a step like that is improper and might be misconstrued."

What do these two sentences reveal about Narrator?

10. Was there another woman trapped in that room at one time, and with her sensitivities she picked up on that and subsequently became that woman? (Mountain Rose)