John in “The Yellow Wallpaper” Many short stories from throughout history contain dynamic characters that may vary in intentions upon analyzation. After digging deeper into the meaning of said characters, the reader may become surprised to discover their first impression may not be the true disposition of the text. Likewise, In “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, John can be considered evil or immoral because of the neglect he shows towards the narrator. However, after analyzing the full representation of his character, the reader can sympathize with John due to the constant tenderness he displays towards his ailing wife. The manner in which John presents himself can lead many readers into believing that he does not truly
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While his wife in unable to provide, John assures her that the child is kept “well and happy” (1209). This relays how John not only selflessly cares for his wife, but also his baby as well. When the narrator reveals that she “suppose[s] John [has never been] nervous in his life” (1206) it reveals to readers that John is a strong and fearless leader of his household who puts aside his own wants for the well-being of his family. John’s concern for his wife can also be seen when the narrator states “[she] heard [John] ask Jennie a lot of professional questions about [the narrator]” (1213). The concern John displays is made very clear, allowing the reader to view his true intentions of keeping his wife safe from any possible harm. His ability to step up in a time of need to provide for his family, while caring for an ailing wife, highlights a genuine side of John’s character. While John in “The Yellow Wallpaper” may be considered evil or immoral because of the neglect he shows towards the narrator, after analyzing the full representation of his character, the reader can sympathize with John due to the constant tenderness he displays towards his ailing wife. After revealing the distinction between the John from the text and after his character has been analyzed, it gives way to the importance in thinking for oneself when reading. This separation from the text allows the audience to “take a step back” and look at the work more broadly, taking in any interpretation a reader could
While his wife in unable to provide, John assures her that the child is kept “well and happy” (1209). This relays how John not only selflessly cares for his wife, but also his baby as well. When the narrator reveals that she “suppose[s] John [has never been] nervous in his life” (1206) it reveals to readers that John is a strong and fearless leader of his household who puts aside his own wants for the well-being of his family. John’s concern for his wife can also be seen when the narrator states “[she] heard [John] ask Jennie a lot of professional questions about [the narrator]” (1213). The concern John displays is made very clear, allowing the reader to view his true intentions of keeping his wife safe from any possible harm. His ability to step up in a time of need to provide for his family, while caring for an ailing wife, highlights a genuine side of John’s character. While John in “The Yellow Wallpaper” may be considered evil or immoral because of the neglect he shows towards the narrator, after analyzing the full representation of his character, the reader can sympathize with John due to the constant tenderness he displays towards his ailing wife. After revealing the distinction between the John from the text and after his character has been analyzed, it gives way to the importance in thinking for oneself when reading. This separation from the text allows the audience to “take a step back” and look at the work more broadly, taking in any interpretation a reader could