Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Background of the author

Class Discussion Questions:

1. Who is the narrator of this story? Look for references to “writing” in the narrative—what is the definition of “writing” in this story?

2. Can you account for the shape and appearance of this narrative? What is the resemblance between the wall-paper in the room and the narrative on the page?

3. Is “The Yellow Wall-paper” a proper “story”? How not? How so? Does it have a “plot”? Describe it.

4. Who is the woman behind the wall-paper?

5. According to the essay she wrote about “The Yellow Wall-paper,” what was Gilman’s ultimate purpose for writing that story? How does the story achieve this purpose?