In the realm of American literature, Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wall-paper" emerges as a profound exploration of mental illness and the societal pressures that exacerbate it. This story, through its intricate narrative and unsettling imagery, offers a window into the protagonist's deteriorating mental state, highlighted by her interactions with her surroundings and the titular yellow wallpaper in her room. The story, available at http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=579, serves as a critical text for discussions about gender roles, freedom, and the stigmatization of mental health issues during the late 19th century. To aid in the comprehension and analysis of this complex text, the use of the "The Yellow Wall-paper" Active Reading Chart becomes invaluable. This chart prompts students to delve deeper into the narrative, encouraging them to note the narrator’s changing descriptions and tone as she discusses her world, including her room, the ominous wall-paper, her perceived illness, interactions with her husband, caretakers, and family, in addition to her reflections on herself and her journal. By examining these elements, students can uncover potential symbolic meanings and oddities in the descriptions, fostering a greater understanding of Gilman’s work. This approach not only enhances the reading experience but also invites thoughtful interpretation and discussion, allowing students to engage with the text in a meaningful way.
Question | Answer |
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Form Name | Gilmans The Yellow Wallpaper Form |
Form Length | 1 pages |
Fillable? | No |
Fillable fields | 0 |
Avg. time to fill out | 15 sec |
Other names | the yellow wallpaper worksheet, yellow wallpaper active reading chart answers, the yellow wallpaper active reading chart answer key, yellow wallpaper chart |
Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow
Gilman’s “The Yellow
Student Name ___________________________________________________ Date ________________
Use the worksheet to take notes on how the narrator discusses the world around her. Pay close attention to her description, noting how her tone and perception of her surroundings and situation change during the story. Use the Reader Interpretation column to offer thoughts about the possible significance of the items you note.
How does the author describe: |
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“The Yellow |
oddities in descriptions, etc.) |
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Her room? |
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Her illness? |
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Her husband? |
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Her other caretakers and/or family? |
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Herself? |
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Her journal? |
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Other notes or observations: |
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Permission is granted to educators to reproduce this worksheet for classroom use