Question

Which textual detail from “The Yellow Wallpaper” best represents what the story suggests could be a consequence of the rest cure?
A)“So I take phosphates or phosphites—whichever it is, and tonics, and journeys, and air, and exercise, and am absolutely forbidden to ‘work’ until I am well again.”
B)“We have been here two weeks, and I haven’t felt like writing before, since that first day.”
C)“I did not make out a very good case for myself, for I was crying before I had finished.”
D)“There’s one comfort, the baby is well and happy, and does not have to occupy this nursery with the horrid wallpaper.”
E)“And then when the sun came and that awful pattern began to laugh at me I declared I would finish it to-day!”

Answer 1

Answer: e.) “And then when the sun came and that awful pattern began to laugh at me I declared I would finish it to-day!”

Explanation:

This last quote shows you an example of how rest cure has lead her to near insanity. She was hallucinating and imagining things that are completely unrealistic ultimately leading to severe depression.

Answer 2

Answer:

B)“We have been here two weeks, and I haven’t felt like writing before, since that first day.”

Explanation:

Option B shows the consequence of healing by resting. This consequence is called demotivation and idleness. This is because after taking several remedies and being forced to rest, the narrator does not find the will and determination to perform other activities, even if they do not require efforts to write. In the sentence shown in option B, the speaker states that since the day she started to rest, she found no desire in herself to do what she liked, like writing.