Compromise
Compromise by Charlotte Perkins Gilman: A short story about a woman who, after being confined to her room for rest and isolation, becomes increasingly paranoid and isolated, eventually losing touch with reality. The story explores the themes of gender roles, societal expectations, and the effects of isolation on mental health.
By Charlotte Perkins Gilman · First published 1890 · Genre: Fiction, Social Criticism, Feminist Literature · 133 words
First lines
It is well to fight and win- If that may be; It is well to fight and die therein- For such go free;
It is ill to fight and find no grave But a prison-cell; To keep alive, yet live a slave- Praise those who fell!
But worst of all are those who stand With arms laid by, Bannerless, helpless, no command, No battle-cry.
They live to save unvalued breath, With lowered eyes; In place of victory, or death,- A compromise!
What this Textopian page supports
Compromise is listed on Textopian as a short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, dated 1890 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Date: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Social Criticism, Feminist Literature, Psychological Fiction, Historical Fiction
- Length: 133 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Compromise by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Compromise?
- How does this short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Wedded Bliss Charlotte Perkins Gilman by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Wedded Bliss by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- If Mother Knew by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- In Duty Bound by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- The Cart Before The Horse by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- The Mothers Charge by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Genres
- Fiction — Given the author's general work, it is likely that this book is a work of fiction.
- Social Criticism — Gilman is widely known for her critiques of society, notably gender roles and inequality; this theme may be prevalent in the book.
- Feminist Literature — Gilman's strong advocacy for women's rights and her feminist leanings make this a probable genre.
- Psychological Fiction — Many of Gilman's works delve into psychological exploration and the human condition, thereby suggesting this genre.
Tags
feminism · gender roles · society · marriage · compromise · identity · self-discovery · conflict · patriarchy · independence · social norms · personal sacrifice