Early Stream of Consciousness and Feminism in Fiction — Quiz
Question 3 • Language Arts 11
Read the excerpt from "The Yellow Wallpaper." John does not know how much I really suffer. He knows there is no REASON to suffer, and that satisfies him. Of course it is only nervousness. It does weigh on me so not to do my duty in any way! I meant to be such a help to John, such a real rest and comfort, and here I am a comparative burden already! Nobody would believe what an effort it is to do what little I am able,—to dress and entertain, and order things. How does the narrator’s viewpoint reveal a social attitude of Gilman’s time?
Answer
A
The narrator questions her place in society and her role as a mother and a wife.
B
The narrator questions why she should perform certain duties, such as entertaining guests.
C
The narrator feels an overwhelming responsibility to meet society’s expectations.
D
The narrator thinks that her husband displays a great deal of nervousness, and she wonders about its source.
Explanation
The narrator feels guilty because she cannot be the help, rest, and comfort she believes she should be for John. She describes even dressing, entertaining, and ordering things as difficult, yet sees herself as a burden for not doing more. This reflects the social expectation of Gilman’s time that women should fulfill domestic duties and support their husbands.
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