Reaction and Response Essay for
The Yellow Wallpaper
By Charlotte Perkins Stetson (Gilman)
Worth 100 points
Due on Thursday, November 4th
After reading the short gothic story The Yellow Wallpaper, please respond to the following questions in a minimum of a two typed page response. The following questions will review over various fictional elements such as theme, symbolism, motifs, character, etc.
In a brief paragraph, please give a summary of what the story is about. In this paragraph, please identify main characters, setting, plot, etc.
Obviously there are many themes portrayed in the story. Such themes, included but are not limited to, are freedom and confinement, madness, gender roles, society and class, the subordination of women in marriage, the importance of self-expression, etc. Please choose the three predominant themes and why you feel they are the most significant.
Symbolism/Tone- There are various symbols throughout the story, but mainly the wallpaper. Why is this? Is it significant it is yellow? Why not purple, blue, green, etc. Additionally, one of the main tones in the story in irony. Please give an example from the story that illustrates verbal irony, dramatic irony, and situational irony. If there are any other tones you feel are essential, please discuss them.
For the final paragraph of your essay, please conclude with your interpretation and thoughts about the short story. This is the time when you may provide your personal opinion.
Directions: For the reaction and response essay for the short story The Yellow Wall Paper, please respond to each part/question listed above. Each response should be in paragraph format. The entire essay response should be no less than two typed pages. The essay must be typed and in MLA format. Therefore, papers should be double-spaced and use Times New Roman, 12-point font with 1-inch margins. In the top left hand corner, you should include your name, my name, the date, ENC 1102, and Response essay. Your essay may be written in 1st or 3rd person point-of-view. However, please do not write in 2nd person.
Good Luck