The Pastellette
The Yellow Wallpaper, by Charlotte Perkins Gilman: A short story about a woman who is confined to a room by her husband, who believes it will help her recover from what he calls a nervous disorder. The room is covered in yellow wallpaper, which the woman becomes increasingly obsessed with as she spends more time in the room. The story explores themes of gender roles, oppression, and the effects of isolation on mental health.
By Charlotte Perkins Gilman · First published 1892 · Genre: Feminist Literature, Short Stories, Social Reform · 110 words
First lines
"The pastelle is too strong," said he. "Lo! I will make it fainter yet! " And he wrought with tepid ecstasy A pastellette.
A touch-a word-a tone half caught- He softly felt and handled them; Flavor of feeling-scent of thought- Shimmer of gem- That we may read, and feel as he What vague, pale pleasure we can get From this mild, witless mystery,- The pastellette.
What this Textopian page supports
The Pastellette is listed on Textopian as a short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, dated 1892 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: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Feminist Literature, Short Stories, Social Reform, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 110 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Pastellette 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 The Pastellette?
- How does this short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Feminist Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- An Obstacle by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Out Of The Gate by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- The Crux by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Hardly A Pleasure by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Too Much by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Little Cell by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Genres
- Feminist Literature — Gilman was strongly involved in the feminist movement, which often permeates her work
- Short Stories — Gilman frequently wrote in short story format
- Social Reform — Much of Gilman's work critiques societal norms and advocates for change
- Psychological Fiction — Many of Gilman's stories contain psychological themes and elements
Tags
feminism · mental health · identity · self-discovery · art · isolation · society · gender roles · psychological · narrative · symbolism · creativity