1. Charlotte Perkins Gilman and a biographical approach to “The Yellow Wallpaper” Honors 9

2. Charlotte Perkins Gilman: early life Born on July 3, 1860, in Hartford, Connecticut Her father abandoned the family, leaving Gilman’s mother to raise two children on her own Love me, love me Say that you’ll love me (mom) Made a solemn vow

3. Charlotte Perkins Gilman: family Life They’re kinda a big deal. So much for vows: Married artist Charles Stetson in 1884 March 1885  Well, that was quick - “I would hold her close– that lovely child!– and instead of love and happiness, feel only pain. Nothing was more utterly bitter than this, that even motherhood brought no joy.”

4. Charlotte Perkins Gilman: family Life (postpartum depression) “solved” by “rest cure” Gilman’s treatment included: - extended and total bed rest - isolation from family and friends - overfeeding (said to increase body volume and energy) Shockingly, she left. No, seriously, it was shocking in that time.

5. Hysteria = high maintenance ladies In the Victorian era, women were discouraged from work and over- stimulation. Hysteria

6. Charlotte Perkins Gilman: Later Life Gilman remarried in 1900 to George Houghton Gilman Gilman committed suicide in 1935 after being diagnosed with breast cancer She wrote that she “preferred chloroform to cancer”