Question

Read the excerpt from the yellow wallpaper. What does the narrator's description reveal about the social context of the story??

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Doctors were believed to be unquestionably all-knowing.

Explanation:

Charlotte Perkins Gillman's short story "The Yellow Wallpaper" revolves around the life of a woman 'diagnosed' with mental illness and the 'treatment' around that sickness. The story delves into the theme of mental illness and how it is perceived by the people, especially in a patriarchal society like the one the narrator is in.

In the given excerpt, the woman, diagnosed with mental illness, states how she was 'treated' for the "temporary nervous depression—a slight hysterical tendency". The physicians, including her own brother, all decide what is the best for her condition, instead of asking her opinion. This shows the lack of women's participation, let alone acceptance of women, in society including the domestic sphere.

Lastly, her revelation shows how doctors or anyone of high standing, were perceived and believed to be unquestionably all-knowing and correct.