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1. Read Gilman’s essay “Why I Wrote ‘The Yellow Wallpaper’,” which appeared in 1913 in her journal Forerunner. Why do you think doctors objected to Gilman writing the story? Do you think doctors today would have a similar reaction? Did you think the story was daring in any way? Why or why not?




2. Many students find it frustrating that there is no single answer to what is happening to Jane in “The Yellow Wallpaper.” What was your initial interpretation upon reading the story? Did your opinion change, after discussion in class or with friends or classmates? Do you think there is a “right” way to interpret the ending? Why or why not?




3. What do you think of John’s treatment of the narrator? Do you think he means well? Why or why not?