Unmentionable
UNMENTIONABLE by Charlotte Perkins Gilman: A short story about a woman who is subjected to various forms of oppression and control by her husband, including the use of a "rest cure" to treat what he believes is her hysteria. The story explores themes of gender roles, mental illness, and the societal expectations placed on women during the late 19th century.
By Charlotte Perkins Gilman · First published 1892 · Genre: Social Commentary, Feminist Literature, Historical Fiction · 299 words
First lines
There is a thing of which I fain would speak, Yet shun the deed; Lest hot disgust flush the averted cheek Of those who read.
And yet it is as common in our sight As dust or grass; Loathed by the lifted skirt, the tiptoe light, Of those who pass.
We say no word, but the big placard rests Frequent in view, To sicken those who do not with requests Of those who do.
"Gentlemen will not," the mild placards say. They read with scorn. "Gentlemen must not"-they defile the way Of those who warn.
What this Textopian page supports
Unmentionable 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: Social Commentary, Feminist Literature, Historical Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Literary Fiction
- Length: 299 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Unmentionable 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 Unmentionable?
- How does this short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Social Commentary first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Old Time Wail by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Reassurance by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Out Of The Gate by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- The Cup by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Resolve by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Birth by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Genres
- Social Commentary — Charlotte Perkins Gilman was known for her strong views and works on social reforms and gender equality. 'UNMENTIONABLE' follows a similar line of thought, exploring societal norms and their impact.
- Feminist Literature — One of the main themes of the book is the exploration and critique of the role and status of women in society, making it relevant to this genre.
- Historical Fiction — While 'UNMENTIONABLE' is not a historical account, it does heavily reference and explore societal norms and conditions from the past, thus includes elements of historical fiction.
- Psychological Fiction — Gilman's exploration of the impact societal norms can have on the psyche of individuals potentially aligns 'UNMENTIONABLE' with psychological fiction.
Tags
feminism · mental health · gender roles · society · isolation · oppression · identity · women's rights · narrative · psychological · historical · social commentary