Reading Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper", there could
be many different conclusions of John's intentions. Is he deliberately trying to
drive Jane crazy? Some may argue that he only does things the way he does
because he is doing what is best for Mary. Others may believe that he is
oblivious to the fact that she is having difficulty staying there. However, I believe
John is working through his profession and doing this only for her well being.
Though Mary is having much difficulty, John is a professional and
knows what he is doing. Physicians work with cases like these every day.
Temporary Nervous Depression is a serious problem and needs to be dealt
with accordingly. Being her husband causes him to take extra precautions and
do nothing that would harm her. John's sister stays there most of the time to
keep an eye on Mary while he is not around. Mary shows here that she is fond
of her and does not mind her company: "There comes John's sister. Such a
dear girl as she is, and so careful of me! I must not let her find me writing. She is
a perfect and enthusiastic housekeeper, and hopes for no better profession"
(305). Though Mary does not think so she is a severe case. She refers to this:
"Yellow Wallpaper" rather strangely: "This paper looks to me as if it knew what a
vicious influence it had!" (304). Speaking of the paper again: "But in the places
where it isn't faded and where the sun is just so -- I can see a strange,provoking,
formless sort of figure that seems to skulk about behind that silly and
conspicuous front design" (305). Obviously, someone in their right state of mind
would not see things the way Mary does. He wants her to be independent, but
not so much so that she feels alone. John keeps Mary in the nursery for a
reason; he is trying to work on her depression by keeping her confined to one
...