The Yellow Wallpaper

by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

I get unreasonably angry with John sometimes. I’m sure I never used to be so sensitive. I think it is due to this nervous condition.

But John says if I feel so I shall neglect proper self-control; so I take pains to control myself,—before him, at least,—and that makes me very tired.

I don’t like our room a bit. I wanted one downstairs that opened on the piazza and had roses all over the window, and such pretty old-fashioned chintz hangings! but John would not hear of it.

He said there was only one window and not room for two beds, and no near room for him if he took another.
He is very careful and loving, and hardly lets me stir without special direction.

I have a schedule prescription for each hour in the day; he takes all care from me, and so I feel basely ungrateful not to value it more.

He said we came here solely on my account, that I was to have perfect rest and all the air I could get. “Your exercise depends on your strength, my dear,” said he, “and your food somewhat on your appetite; but air you can absorb all the time.” So we took the nursery, at the top of the house.

What do the author’s details reveal about the character of John?

(1 point)
Responses

He is selfless and generous toward his wife.
He is selfless and generous toward his wife.

He is unconcerned with his wife’s activities.
He is unconcerned with his wife’s activities.

He is very controlling of his wife.
He is very controlling of his wife.

He is interested in his wife’s opinions.

1 answer

The details provided in the excerpt reveal that John is very controlling of his wife. His insistence on the room choice, the strict schedule he imposes, and his patronizing way of addressing her concerns all indicate a desire to control her environment and well-being rather than consider her feelings and opinions. Thus, the correct response is:

He is very controlling of his wife.