Analysis of The Yellow Wallpaper, Revised

            I have chosen to do my analysis on The Yellow Wallpaper, by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. I am going to be using the readers response critical lens in my analysis of this short story. I am going to start out by saying that this story is very creepy, however it is beautifully written, and I was very much drawn into the story, close to becoming possessed by it. The protagonist of the story is a woman who is married to a physician named John. Her name is not stated, neither is Johns last name, however they are indeed married and have a maid named Jennie, who is Johns sister. I believe the protagonist name in this short story is intentionally left anonymous to allow the reader to believe that it could be anyone. The name John is also a very common name, and might serve in the same sense of anonymity to represent any physician.

            The rising action of the short story is the protagonist's growing curiosity of the yellow wallpaper she is surrounded by in her room. It seems that the more time she is left to her thoughts, the closer she gets to reaching a breaking point of insanity. The story starts out innocently enough, where John believes she is suffering from nervous depression, and rents out a colonial mansion for her to receive rest and to not be distracted. He advices her not to think about her condition, and so she begins to think about the house. This is what gives root to her insanity. She is stuck in this room with yellow wallpaper that she hates, and becomes obsessed by the task of trying to figure out its pattern. This story sort of terrified me, I too spend a lot of time alone, and feel like I become obsessed by a repetitive notions at times. However, I luckily don't have any wallpaper in my room. I realized she was really going nuts when she believed she discovered that there was a woman shaking the pattern behind the wall, and that the pattern held her in the wall. She believes the woman gets out in the daytime, and is then confined to the wall at night behind the pattern.

            I believe every aspect of this story was methodically calculated. I find that even the color of the wallpaper should be analyzed when trying decipher it's meaning. The color yellow is often used in medical terms to signify a quarantine. I believe this to be the reason Charlotte chose this color for the room. The physician does try to quarantine her from other's into the wallpapered room. It is also significant because she starts to see the yellow wallpaper as something that is used to quarantine the strange shadow of a woman behind the wall. The color yellow is sometimes used as a warning sign, as in the street sign yield or the yellow in stop lights, maybe she used the color yellow as a foreshadow that something dangerous would be lying ahead. A third connotation of meaning would be yellows association with insanity. I believe yellow is sometimes associated with insanity, some prisons use yellow attire for those who are mentally unstable, as in those who might want to commit to suicide. Yellow's association with insanity is not something that is widely regarded as being true. I want to put forth the thought that people might of started associating the color yellow with insanity after reading The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. Although I did not do any research, I could see this short story having a great effect on people, especially when you take into account that it was written over a hundred years ago. It's certainly had enough time to create a following for this connotation, however I have no facts to back up my thesis.

            The climactic moment of the story has to be when John opens the door to the room and sees that she has torn down the wallpaper, and is creeping on the across the floor. The resolution of this story has to be after she says, "I kept on creeping just the same, but I looked at him over my shoulder. 'I've got out at last,' said I, 'in spite of you and Jane. And I've pulled off most of the paper, so you can't put me back!'" John passes out, and she continues to creep along a path over him. The way she uses the word creep is fantastic. Upon first reading her use of the word creeping, I imagined the woman she described seeing outside as merely walking around with hunched shoulders. I imagined creeping to mean that she was walking around mysteriously as if she knew she was somewhere she wasn't allowed to be. However I looked up the word and realized its meaning was much more horrifying. Creeping means to move around on the ground slowly using your hands and knees, like an animal or creature. This made the story even more terrifying for me. I think my imagination of what the protagonist is seeing is more frightful than any horror movie I've seen in the past. The human imagination is much more terrifying that anything that could be manipulated on film. It kind of reminded me of the movie The Ring.

            I read the authors reason to writing this story, and she confessed to going through a similar episode! She said that there was a physician that advised her to remain unproductive, and un-stimulated until she got better. She however, felt that she was going mad, and took the advice of a friend to go back to being productive. Having something to do is what ended up saving her from losing it, this is what inspired her to write The Yellow Wallpaper. I think it'd be interesting to put up some yellow wallpaper in my room after reading this story, and seeing the effect it has on me.

Imitation

Pick your clothes off of the floor.
My parents never really gave me any directions...
Estas tomado otra ves?
Donde vas?
Conquien andas?
Porque gueles asi?
No le pegues a tu hermano.
Go walk the dog.
Take your brothers for a walk.
Why are you hanging out so much with your uncle?
Why are you so friendly with the neighbors?
Are you in a gang?
Where did we go wrong?
What did I do?
Is it me?
What do you want me to change?

Critical Analysis: The Yellow Wallpaper

I have chosen to do my analysis on The Yellow Wallpaper, by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. I am going to be using the readers response critical lens in my analysis of this short story. I am going to start out by saying that this story is very creepy, however it is beautifully written, and I was very much drawn into the story, close to becoming possessed by it. The protagonist of the story is a woman who is married to a physician named John. Her name is not stated, neither is Johns last name, however they are indeed married and have a maid named Jennie. I believe the protagonist name in this short story is intentionally left anonymous to allow the reader to believe that it could be anyone. The name John is also a very common name, and might serve in the same sense of anonymity to represent any physician.

            The rising action of the short story is the protagonists growing curiosity of the yellow wallpaper she is surrounded by in her room. It seems that the more time she is left to her thoughts, the closer she gets to reaching a breaking point of insanity. The story starts out innocently enough, where John believes she is suffering from nervous depression, and rents out a colonial mansion for her to receive rest and to not be distracted. He advices her not to think about her condition, and so she begins to think about the house. This is what gives root to her insanity. She is stuck in this room with yellow wallpaper that she hates, and becomes obsessed by the task of trying to figure out its pattern. This story sort of terrified me, I too spend a lot of time alone, and feel like I become obsessed by a repetitive notions at times. I luckily don't have any wallpaper in my room. I realized she was really going nuts when she believed she discovered that there was a woman shaking the pattern behind the wall, and that the pattern held her in the wall. She believes the woman gets out in the daytime, and is then confined to the wall at night behind the pattern.

            The climatic moment of the story has to be when John opens the door to the room and sees that she has torn down the wallpaper, and is creeping on the across the floor. "I kept on creeping just the same, but I looked at him over my shoulder. 'I've got out at last,' said I, 'in spite of you and Jane. And I've pulled off most of the paper, so you can't put me back!'" The way she uses the word creep is fantastic. Upon first reading her use of the word creeping, I imagined the woman she described seeing outside as walking around with hunched shoulders. I imagined creeping to mean that she was walking around mysteriously as if she knew she was somewhere she wasn't allowed to be. However I looked up the word and realized its meaning was much more horrifying. Creeping means to move around on the ground slowly using your hands and knees, like an animal or creature. This made the story even more terrifying for me. I think my imagination of what the protagonist is seeing is more terrifying than any horror movie I've seen in the past. The human imagination is much more terrifying that anything that could be captured on film. It kind of reminded me of the movie The Ring.

            I read the authors reason to writing this story, and she confessed to going through a similar episode! She said that there was a physician that advised her to remain unproductive, and un-stimulated until she got better. She however, felt that she was going mad, and took the advice of a friend to go back to being productive, so she started writing. Having something to do is what ended up saving her from losing it, this is what inspired her to write The Yellow Wallpaper.

Formal Paper One: Rough Draft Revision

I've made some revisions to my origional rough draft and wanted to post these revisions. If anyone has the time to read this I'd greatly appreciate some feedback. All comments and criticism is highly welcomed. Let me know what you think, and I'd like to thank you for visting my blog.

Sonny's Rise to Maturity

            Sonny Bravo is the protagonist character in the novel, The Flower by Dagoberto Gilb. His character grows exceptionally throughout the short course of the novel, serving as an example of the struggle boys undergo in adolescence to assert themselves as mature adults. Sonny's character is infatuated with the pursuit of money, this infatuation is inevitably replaced with the discovery of love. It is this discovery that catapults Sonny's character to learn to be selfless, which is a trait that I consider to come with maturity. I have decided to use the reader's response theory in my response to the novel, to explain how Sonny's character has grown throughout the course of the text, and has lived up to my expectations of how a young gentleman should act.

            The relationship Sonny has with money changes throughout the course of the novel. During the beginning, Sonny uses the money he's gathered to buy things for himself to fulfill his desires, or to escape undesirable situations. When Sonny first confesses to stealing money he is selfishly interested in its immediate advantages. Sonny confesses, "At first, yeah, I spent it. That's what I thought I took it for" (49).  Although Sonny likes spending his money at first, he soon becomes reluctant to spend as much, and tries to save what he has. He realizes that he'd been spending a considerable amount of money after on of the times he goes into his stash and says to himself, "I spent it at the bowling alley on Mrs. Zuniga's food at Alley Cats so I didn't have to eat deer meat or whatever, but now that I might need more, I needed to start getting it somehow, somewhere" (96). Figuring out how to get more, seems to be something Sonny worries about constantly,  it seems to me that the cause of this worry might be that he sees having money as something that allows independence. Without the almighty dollar, Sonny would have a hard time developing his autonomy. Up until this point, Sonny only considers money for  selfish gain and his own independence; however after encountering Nica, the young girl living in apartment number four, he begins to see how money can be used to help others as well.

            I find it interesting that Sonny had actually day dreamed about being in Mexico with Nica in what seems like paradise while he was overhearing Margarito yelling at her for unknowingly babysitting the neighbor's "baby" cat. I find Nica's situation to be truly despairing, and can feel what must of propelled Sonny to make his decision to help Nica run away in this scene where he daydreams, saying: "I could taste the tears like they were in a foggy morning. Maybe because she told me about Veracruz, when she was living near a beach, in a light blue house... wind blowing inside and over her and we were on the soft fuzzy gold couch and she was crying" (217). This seen is very descriptive to me, and resonates powerfully in my mind. This scene is exceptionally beautiful, because it is accentuated by the horrible situation Nica finds herself in apartment number four. Sonny is no doubt in love with Nica, and she changes the way Sonny is for the better.

            Nica influences Sonny's life in a positive way, without this positive influence Sonny could of easily gone the other route in terms of his moral development. Sonny ends up giving all of his money to Nica, and buys her a ticket to be reunited with her family in Mexico. This decision is what makes me believe Sonny's life is ultimately moving in a positive direction, and allowed me to see the growth Sonny has made. After Nica and Sonny make it through the riot decimated city, and arrive at the bus depot Nica asks Sonny if he is going with her, and Sonny replies, "Me? With you?" (247).  This is the first time Sonny actually considers leaving with Nica as a possibility, which shows that Sonny hadn't been thinking of himself. His decision in helping Nica escape had been an altruistic decision. In helping Nica reunite with her family Sonny succeeds in putting others before himself, even though it could potentially put him in a disadvantage.  I considered Sonny's decision at the end of the novel to be a truly selfless act. He used all of the money he had accumulated to help Nica, however he could of easily been egotistical in his decision.

             Sonny could of just as easily boarded the bus with Nica. Although I believe Sonny would of been acting selfishly, had he decided to accompany her. If Sonny got on the bus and had gone to Mexico, Sonny would of been escaping his own problems. Going away with Nica would of meant that he would not of had to face the consequences of stealing Cloyd's money, thus he would of been escaping the terms of his actions. He would have also found a way to escape the home he wasn't very fond of. Leaving his home would of meant he'd be leaving Sylvia to face the reactions of Cloyd, which would not have been a responsible or fair course of action for Sonny to place such a burden on his mother. For Nica, the negative effects she was experiencing in living with her step-dad outweighed the positive, and it seemed like she was powerless to change her situation, so the natural transition for her was escape. However it would of been extremely hard for her to escape her situation without Sonny's help. Helping Nica escape her situation, is in my opinion, the greatest act Sonny could of done to grow out of being a selfish adolescent to develop into a responsible adult.

            Sonny Bravo has shown tremendous improvement in character throughout the course of The Flowers. Sonny knew the value money had on peoples lives, and choose to use this value to help another attain a better life. Sonny had a compulsive need to steal, however I don't believe he'd been shallow minded to want it. Every child, as well as adult in our society values the significance of money, and Sonny chose to give his away to someone he might never see again. It is this selfless act that shows me how Sonny's character has learned to appreciate the value of a dollar, as well as the value of his own actions. It is this appreciation of value that empowers Sonny to form his own identity, ultimately becoming the person he is meant to become: a gentleman, a good friend, and a good son.

Transitions

Addition - again, also, and, and then, besides, equally important, finally, first, further, furthermore, in addition, in the first place, last, moreoever, next, second, still, too
Comparison - also, in the same way, likewise, similarly
Concession - granted, naturally, of course
Contrast - although, and yet, at the same time, but at the same time, despite that, even so, event though, for all that, however, in contrast, in spite of, instead, nevertheless, notwitstanding, on the contrary, on the other hand, otherwise, regardless, still, though, yet
Emphasis - certainly, indeed, in fact, of course
Example or Illustration - after all, as an illustration, even, for example, for instance, in conclusion, indeed, in fact, in other words, in short, it is true, of course, namely, specifically, that is, illustrate, thus, truly
Summary - all in all, altogether, as has been said, finally, in brieft, in conclusion, in other words, in particular, in short, in simpler terms, in summary, on the whole, that is therefore, to put it differently, to summarise
Time Sequence - after a while, afterward, again, also, and then, as long as, at last, at lenght, at that time, before, besides, earlier, eventually, finally, formerly, further, furthermore, in addition, in the first place, in the past, last lately, meanwhile, moreover, next, now, presently, second, shortly, simultaneously, since, so, far, soon, still, subsequently, then, therefore, too, until, until now, when

Paradox

If found this example of a paradox while reading the book, "You get it right over there. Can't miss it. It's as big and noisy as a bus." (249) The uniformed bus dispatcher says this quote when he describes the bus Nica is supposed to board.

Formal Paper One: Rough Draft

I believe Sonny’s decision to help his Nica escape the confinement of her cell in apartment #4 was truly a selfless act. The first time I read through the ending of the book, I felt angry with Dagoberto Gilb for not ending The Flowers the way I would of liked. I couldn’t believe that Sonny had let Nica go to Mexico all by herself and didn’t want to accompany her on the trip. My feelings of betrayal soon subsided, and I was able to consider whether or not his decision had been warranted. I came to the conclusion that it indeed was, and felt like it was a selfless act of love and the perfect ending to the novel. If Sonny had boarded on the noisy bus with Nica, and ridden off into the sunset, it would have been too cheesy and not selfless. Sonny’s character has grown throughout the course of the novel, and has lived up to my expectations of how a young gentleman should be. I have decided to use the reader's response theory in my response to the novel.

            Sonny’s intentions of helping Nica had solely been to help her escape whatever Margarito was going to do to her. The thought of leaving with her hadn’t even gone into his mind. As Sonny explains to Nica what she has to do she asks if he is going with her and sonny replies, “Me? With you?”(247) This is the first time that Sonny thinks about leaving, and I believe shows that Sonny hadn’t been thinking of himself until this point. Sonny’s mind had been too occupied before with the struggle he went through to get the money and get Nica to the bus terminal. Sonny kisses Nica for the first time while helping her escape, which is something he’d longed to do ever since he’d first set his eyes on her. “She wanted me to touch her everywhere and in every way. I didn’t want her like that, as much as I did.” (249) Sonny didn’t let his emotions get the better of him, and decided to make their goodbyes as quick and painless as possible. Sonny’s maturity in this last scene is commendable.

            Sonny decides to take all of the money he’s been saving up and give it to Nina. He didn’t have to do this. He could of just driven her to the bus terminal, and paid for her ticket home. This is a selfless act, and shows maturity. All throughout the novel money has been a recurring influence. Sonny spends a lot of his time stealing, and figuring out how he is going to accumulate more money, and even stresses when he begins to run low. It’s noble of him to give this girl his savings, and not ask for anything in return.

            For Sonny’s act to be a selfless one, he was required to stay behind and face the wake of his actions. By taking off to Mexico Sonny would have been escaping the reaction of Cloyd upon the moment he realizes his money is gone. This would have been an escape route for Sonny. He would no longer have to tiptoe around Cloyd. However I believe it would of put Silvia in a horrible position. She would have had to deal with Cloyd all by herself, instead Sonny has decided to stay back and man up. In escaping, he would have been the only person who’d benefit, thus creating a selfless act. Him leaving would have been bad news for the rest of the tenants in Los Flores as well. Sonny is a sort of buffer between Cloyd and the rest of the tenants. Without the presence of Sonny the rest of the tenants have to deal with Cloyd directly, which I could imagine would be a very bad situation after the chaos of the riots had subsided. Who knows, maybe Sonny will eventually be able to get along with Cloyd. I believe their relationship has made some progress towards the end of the book.

             All things considered, it would have been a cheesy ending if he just boarded the bus and left the United States, for good old Mexico. I thought it was ironic that Nica was trying to escape from the United States and seek a better life in Mexico, or any other part of the world; which is sort of the contrary to what most of us Americans are raised to believe. I can relate with Nica, when it comes to the need for freedom and the hopes of a better life. It’s like they say, “The grass is always greener on the other side.”

Idea Paper

I plan to write using the reader response criticism theory. One idea I had while reading the book is who the "sicko" following Sonny throughout the novel might be, or what significance he could have in being included in the story. There has to be a greater reason for his character to be included by Dagoberto in the novel, other than adding suspense and providing a few moments for one to make predictions upon the outcome. I got the feeling that the creep was Sonny's biological Father, though this information is never revealed, he did call Sonny "son." The creep being Sonny's Father might explain why he would follow Sonny around the neighborhood. His Dad might of wanted to see how Sonny and Silvia were doing, and might of wanted to speak to Sonny. Sonny was too pumped up with adrenaline to determine what was really going on. As much as Sonny tries to shoo-away the creep, he is somehow strangely attracted to him. I believe this attraction or curiosity might have to do with finding out who the guy is or at least find out what he is thinking. I'd imagine if I never met my Father, I'd want or tend to associate the possibility of a stranger being my father.
          A second idea I had about writing my paper on would be whether or not Sonny made the right decision in not accompanying Nica on her escape to Mexico. The first time I read through the novel I felt like he made the wrong decision. I was sort of disappointed that he didn't go, and was sort of angry at Dagoberto for not giving the book the happy ending I wanted. However, the more I thought about it, the more I agreed with Dagoberto's decision of ending the book like he did. I thought it was the perfect ending. Sonny wasn't ready to leave, he had unfinished business in his apartment building here in America. Sonny needs to finish high school, and he needs to be there for his Mother. In running away to a foreign country with Nica, he would of been abandoning his responsibilities. If he did go it would be the perfect fairy tale ending, and although the novel is a fiction, the events and outcomes that happened are very real, and him leaving would of been plausible however in the end I don't think life works out that way. Sonny needs to stay in America finish high school, help out his Mother, and man up to taking Cloyd's money. Who knows what Cloyd will do when he finds out his money is gone. I believe it'd be best if Sonny sticks around and sees things through, and in four years when he graduates, he'd be able to reunite with Nica.
          If I choose the second topic I'd support my main idea by writing about why it wouldn't be a wise desicion for Sonny to leave with Nica. My main argument would be that he isn't ready to leave. I'd support this by explaining how him and nica are still very young. I'd also write about what he'd be leaving behind if he would of gone with her.  I could support my argument by writing about how Silvia needs Sonny. In my opinion Sonny doesn't have it real bad, his main problem is Cloyd. Maybe he'd be able to convince his mother to get a divorce, if he leaves Silvia will most likely remain with Cloyd. Sonny serves as a protective barrier for various opposing forces, once he leaves that barrier is gone and will leave behind chaos. Sonny's life isn't as bad as Nica's. He has freedom, whereas she does not. I could write about how different Nica and Sonny's lives are, and how they'd benefit and suffer from leaving.