Give Way!
"The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is a short story that explores the themes of mental illness, isolation, and the oppression of women in the late 19th century. The narrator, who is unnamed, is confined to a room by her husband, a physician, due to what he believes is a nervous disorder. As the story progresses, the narrator becomes increasingly isolated and obsessed with the yellow wallpaper in her room, eventually descending into madness. The story is a powerful critique of the patriarchal society of the time and the ways in which women were marginalized and silenced.
By Charlotte Perkins Gilman · First published 1890 · Genre: Fiction, Social Commentary, Feminist Literature · 206 words
First lines
Shall we not open the human heart, Swing the doors till the hinges start; Stop our worrying doubt and din, Hunting heaven and dodging sin? There is no need to search so wide, Open the door and stand aside- Let God in!
Shall we not open the human heart To loving labor in field and mart; Working together for all about, The glad, large labor that knows not doubt? Can He be held in our narrow rim? Do the work that is work for Him- Let God out!
Shall we not open the human heart, Never to close and stand apart? God is a force to give way to! God is a thing you have to do! God can never be caught by prayer, Hid in your heart and fastened there- Let God through!
What this Textopian page supports
Give Way! 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 Commentary, Feminist Literature
- Length: 206 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Give Way! 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
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Discussion starters
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- How does this short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
- Females by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Limits by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- What Then by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Another Creed by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Who Is To Blame by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- To Man by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Genres
- Fiction — Charlotte Perkins Gilman primarily wrote fiction novels.
- Social Commentary — Gilman was known for her social commentary, and it's likely that themes of social justice or criticism may be present.
- Feminist Literature — As a famous feminist writer, this work may contain themes about gender inequality and women's rights.
Tags
feminism · gender roles · society · women's rights · social critique · independence · identity · oppression · empowerment · personal freedom · psychological drama · modernism