Question

Listen / Read | “The Yellow Wallpaper,” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

based on what the narrator shares describe the main character and the setting.
describe the exposition.
add a quote to support the moment you described.

(2 points)

Answer 1

Main character and setting
- Main character: the unnamed narrator — a sensitive, intelligent young wife recently debilitated after childbirth. She is emotional and imaginative, believes activity would help her, but is patronized and controlled by her husband (John), which increases her isolation and obsession.
- Setting: a rented, isolated old mansion where the couple is spending the summer. They occupy a large upstairs room (a former nursery) with barred windows, a nailed-down bed, and disturbing yellow wallpaper whose pattern the narrator comes to fixate on.

Exposition
- The story opens by showing why they are in the house (a summer rental) and establishes the central conflict: the narrator’s “nervous” condition and John’s prescribed “rest cure.” The narrator begins keeping a secret journal, describing her dislike of the room and her frustration that her husband, as physician, insists she do nothing even though she feels she needs activity and work.

Supporting quote
- “Personally, I believe that congenial work, with excitement and change, would do me good.”