Student Activities for The Yellow Wall-paper
Essential Questions for “The Yellow Wall-paper”
- Why is it important to recognize mental illness as a physical ailment?
- What are the dangers of not being able to think or express yourself freely?
- Why is feminist literature important?
- What are some of the ways that mental illnesses can be treated?
- Does isolation make a person feel better, or can it make them worse?
What was "The Rest Cure"?
Charlotte Perkins Stetson married Charles Walter Stetson in 1884, and after the birth of their daughter Katharine in 1885, Charlotte underwent a bout of postpartum depression. At the time, she was seen by Dr. Weir Silas Mitchell, a prominent neurologist, who prescribed her the “rest cure” for her ailment. During this treatment, Charlotte was not allowed to leave her bed, feed herself, or even turn herself over in bed. The treatment lasted 6-8 weeks, during which Charlotte kept a diary of her misery. While Dr. Mitchell believed that the cure was a battle of morals and will, the cure was almost always assigned to female patients and it put them in a position of total submission to their male doctors, spouses, and family members. During this time period, women were seen as weaker and more fragile, and therefore their minds were also in need of strengthening. Charlotte Perkins Stetson was so incensed by the treatment prescribed to her by Dr. Mitchell that she ended up including him in her short story “The Yellow Wall-paper” and sending him a copy after it was published. Students can read more about “The Rest Cure” and attitudes towards women in medicine at the following resources:
- https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objects-and-stories/medicine/nerves-neuroses
- https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/ajp.2007.164.5.737
How Tos about The Yellow Wall-paper by Charlotte Perkins Stetson
Engage students with a mental health discussion circle
Foster empathy and open dialogue by inviting students to share thoughts and experiences related to mental health in a safe, supportive circle. This builds trust and helps normalize conversations about well-being.
Connect literature themes to students’ lives
Ask students to identify parallels between the struggles of the story's protagonist and challenges people face today. Relating themes to real life increases relevance and engagement.
Use role-play to deepen understanding
Assign roles from the story and prompt students to act out key scenes. Experiencing perspectives firsthand encourages critical thinking and empathy.
Integrate visual arts for emotional expression
Invite students to create artwork that represents the protagonist’s feelings or the symbolism in the wallpaper. Art provides an alternative outlet for processing complex emotions.
Encourage reflection through journaling
Have students write brief journal entries exploring their reactions to the story and its mental health themes. Self-reflection supports emotional growth and comprehension.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Yellow Wall-paper by Charlotte Perkins Stetson
What is 'The Yellow Wallpaper' about?
The Yellow Wallpaper is a short story by Charlotte Perkins Stetson that explores themes of mental illness, the treatment of women in marriage and medicine, and the importance of emotional expression and free thought in the late 19th century.
How can I teach 'The Yellow Wallpaper' to high school students easily?
Start by discussing its historical context, then use essential questions and student activities like character analysis, theme exploration, and debates on mental health and feminism to engage high school learners.
What was the 'Rest Cure' and why is it important in 'The Yellow Wallpaper'?
The Rest Cure was a treatment prescribed to women for mental illness, involving isolation and inactivity. It's central to the story’s critique of how women’s mental health was misunderstood and mishandled by doctors, reflecting the protagonist’s struggle.
Why is 'The Yellow Wallpaper' considered feminist literature?
The Yellow Wallpaper is seen as feminist literature because it highlights women’s oppression, challenges traditional gender roles, and advocates for emotional and intellectual freedom for women during a time of strict societal norms.
What are some effective lesson plan ideas for 'The Yellow Wallpaper'?
Effective lesson plans include analyzing symbolism, discussing historical and medical context, exploring feminist themes, and engaging students in creative writing or role-play activities to deepen understanding of the text.
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