1. Pair Work: Identify the themes.
There are two major themes in the story, madness and role of women. Try to cite examples (sentences) from the whole story to support each aspect of the two themes.
Discuss the findings with your partner.
A. Madness
1) Jane’s loss of control over her thoughts
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2) The narrator’s hallucinations (illusion)
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3) The narrator’s growing paranoia (suspicion)
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4) The narrator’s obsessions with various ideas/things
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B. Role of Women
1) Women and men’s due duties
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2) Economic and social dependence of women on men
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3) Repression of female individuality and sexuality
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4) Women’s self awareness and struggle
______________________________________________________________________ 2. Solo Work: Focus on the literary device of symbolism.
The Yellow Wallpaper tells the story of a woman’s mental breakdown with a number of symbols. Please figure out the implied meaning of the following symbols and explain your understanding. Find more images and tell their meaning if possible.
3. Group Work: Class debate.
The class will be divided into four groups. Each member has to make one solid point to defend the group’s argument. The debates may or may not be settled, but each group should give convincing reasons for drawing some conclusions about the story. Debate topics are as follows:
1) How responsible is John for Jane’s mental illness?