Yellow Wallpaper, The by Charlotte Perkins Gilman ~ Short Stories

[marcie]

The Book Club Online is  the oldest  book club on the Internet, begun in 1996, open to everyone.  We offer cordial discussions of one book a month,  24/7 and  enjoy the company of readers from all over the world.  Everyone is welcome.

Short Story Event - JUNE/JULY Book Club Online

It is said that a good short story should include: * a strong theme, * a fascinating plot, * a fitting structure, * unforgettable characters, * a well-chosen setting, * an appealing style.  Let's consider these elements as we discuss the following stories.  Is it necessary to include them all in a successful story? 
 

Notice that the titles are all links to the stories.

Discussion Schedule:
June 1 -June 9: *The Book of The Funny Smells--and Everything (1872) by Eleanor H Abbott *The Necklace or The Diamond Necklace (1880) -  by Guy de Maupassant
  *A Pair of Silk Stockings (1896) by Kate Chopin
June 10- 14: *Babylon Revisited (1931) by F.Scott Fitzgerald
June 15- 17: *First Confession (1939) by Frank O'Connor
June 18-20: *A Good Man Is Hard to Find (1953) by Flannery O'Connor 
June 21-24: *The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas (1973) by Ursula LeGuin
June 25-28: *The Half-skinned Steer (1997) by Annie Proulx
June 29-July 2 *The Bear Came Over the Mountain(1999) by Alice Munro
July 5 - July 8:  *The Lady with the Dog by Anton Chechov 1899
July 9 - July 13:  *The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman 1890
July 14 - July 17:  *Chip Off the Old Block by Wallace Stegner11942

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The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

During 1890, when she was 30 years old, Charlotte Perkins Gilman wrote The Yellow Wallpaper (along with 33 short articles and 23 poems) and published the story in 1892. The story's meaning has intrigued readers since its initial printing, its reprinting in 1920 in William Dean Howell's collection of the best American short stories, and in the story's many reprintings since then.

Topics for Consideration

July 9 - July 13

The story seems to hold a lot of symbolism and, due to its richness, continues to be interpreted in many diverse ways. It doesn't seem that we can go wrong in applying our own thoughts to its many aspects. 1. What are some of the details that struck you? 2. What does the story say to you?

DL Contact: Marcie

 

[marcie]

Thanks, everyone, for sharing your thoughts and insights about this strange but interesting story.

[JoanK]

Thank you for that good discussion of a powerful story.

[PatH]

That must have been a hard discussion to lead.  Thank you, marcie, for making me think of extra meanings that hadn't occurred to me.

[marcie]

Thank you, JoanK and Pat, your insights are always thoughtful and helpful.