Choose three quotations from “The Yellow Wall-Paper” that present the married couple’s relationship, and explain what you understand about John as a character, and about the protagonist as a narrator for the way she depicts John.
“The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is a very interesting story about a Doctor, and husband, named John, who is convinced that his wife is sick. To be specific, John is a Physician, a very practical guy and a nonbeliever of faith. He believes that under his wing, and his brother in laws’ who’s also a physician, his wifes’ condition can be healed. Throughout this story there are numerous quotations that present the married couple’s relationship and explain John as a character.
“John laughs at me, of course, but one expects that in marriage.” This quote describes the relationship between John and his wife. When the wife says “of course” , it symbolizes that it’s a common occurrence of John laughing at her. This shows how naive and simpleminded John thinks of his wife. Laughing at her like how a parent would laugh at their kid when they say something idiotic. But at the same time when she says “But one expects that in marriage” , it shows how accepting she is of John.
Another quote that describes their relationship is when John calls her ” Blessed Little Goose”. Once again, showing how little John thinks of his wife, belittling and patronizing her. Instead of being a husband, without realizing it, John is acting like her father. “He is very careful and loving, and hardly lets me stir without special direction.” This quote also shows John as a father figure. Just like how a father is very loving and caring, he also guides his children in the right 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.” Once again this quote depicts John as a father, making sure his wife takes all of her medicine according to schedule, mimicking the same responsibilities a father would have for his child. This is what happens when a spouse is also a doctor. They tend to mix their emotions and feelings with their expertise options, as a result, clouding their judgement. John is in love with his wife, but his professional opinions get in the way of their relationship.
