Gender Studies, Feminism, Queer Theory
This group of readings, though diverse, centers on issues of gender as a social construct. As in new historicism and postcolonial criticism, gender studies tend to focus on the ways ideology and discourse have oppressed the Other, in this case the gendered Other, whatever form that might take. In class on Monday we'll discuss the assigned articles about Heart of Darkness. But it's important, too, that we at least read and discuss a text written by a woman. "The Yellow Wallpaper," by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, can be found in numerous literary anthologies, including the Norton Anthology of American Literature, Vol. 2 (PS507 .N65 1989), and the Norton Anthology of Literature by Women (PS508.W7 G54 1985), both availabe in the Brooklyn College Library. You may also read it online or download a printable version by clicking here.
Fifth Blog Assignment:
Which brand of feminism, or which feminist critical techniques, seem most appropriate to you for constructing an interpretation of "The Yellow Wallpaper"? Also, do any aspects of queer theory lend themselves as well? Why or why not?
This group of readings, though diverse, centers on issues of gender as a social construct. As in new historicism and postcolonial criticism, gender studies tend to focus on the ways ideology and discourse have oppressed the Other, in this case the gendered Other, whatever form that might take. In class on Monday we'll discuss the assigned articles about Heart of Darkness. But it's important, too, that we at least read and discuss a text written by a woman. "The Yellow Wallpaper," by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, can be found in numerous literary anthologies, including the Norton Anthology of American Literature, Vol. 2 (PS507 .N65 1989), and the Norton Anthology of Literature by Women (PS508.W7 G54 1985), both availabe in the Brooklyn College Library. You may also read it online or download a printable version by clicking here.
Fifth Blog Assignment:
Which brand of feminism, or which feminist critical techniques, seem most appropriate to you for constructing an interpretation of "The Yellow Wallpaper"? Also, do any aspects of queer theory lend themselves as well? Why or why not?
posted by Jeff at
1:33 PM
4 Comments:
In reading "The Yellow Wallpaper" it would at first seem tempting that the type of feminist criticism that is most readily applicable is that which Barry describes as "Anglo-American", since it is dependent on close reading and places emphasis on "traditional critical concepts like theme, motif, and characterization."(124) This is based on the fact that it is a story written by a woman, about a woman and gives the reader a close insight into the character's perspective. The depiction of the men in the story, especially John, her husband, shows a societal imbalance of power and speaks to patriarchal domination. Her marginalization by these forces seems to make the conclusion of the story an act of passive (or not so passive)rebellion.
However, I am leaning toward a "French" reading based on that school's emphasis on "language, representation, and psychology." (Barry;125) The story might be interpreted as a depiction of a woman who's medical concerns are disregarded by her husband and other men, and who is thus forced to an interior struggle with her perception that on one hand may be viewed as exacerbating her condition to the point of complete detachment, and on the other as a liberation from the constraints of patriarchal domination. The control of discursive practice, especially in terms of medicine, is controlled by men, as illustrated by Gilman's portrayal of the husband and Weir Mitchell.This element has a certain Foucauldian weight that sways me to this type of reading.
Additionally, it has an obvious psychoanalytic dimension, that might also make the "French" perspective viable. In the version I downloaded there was an addendum from Gilman which described her own bout with a similar situation in which she provided some insight as to her perspective in creating the story.
The question of language is also interesting here, because there is an informality and circular expressiveness which might be described as "not male". The disregard for careful balance in structure and the loose style of the language put me in mind of the "French" perspective and Barry's section on Feminist criticism and language. Although I certainly cannot claim mastery in understanding any literary theory, and am starting to get a little dizzy from all of this, I think that a "French" reading of this text certainly might bear fruit.
By
Robert Damon, at 8/06/2006 11:24 PM
One of the great aspects of literary criticism, in my opinion, is that just about any form of criticism can be applied to a work. Some forms may lend themselves more easily than others, but all can be applied. I agree with many of those who have already posted that an Anglo-American-style criticism would be the easiest. After all, a female author wrote this book about woman forced into a life of captivity after her male doctor diagnoses her with some form of "hysteria." Themes of oppression in a male-dominated patriarchy are rampant throughout the piece, and the main character, the narrator, is a woman. These aspects make an Anglo-American reading an obvious choice.
However, I like Robert's points in support of a French reading. I agree, the explanation in Barry is a bit "dizzying," but there certainly is a language issue in this book. While Gilman's language seems to be more "feminine" (more circular and indirect), I think the language in need of focus is the language of science. Both the narrator's husband and Dr. S. Weir Mitchell speak in a language of medicine and science with is direct, cold, and clinical. Their language is also completely "male," discussing female "illnesses" completely from a male perspective. They use this language to uphold the patriarchy and keep the narrator a prisoner, both in her room and in her world.
As for queer theory, I think the key to its application is Maresa's point about "social castration." If the narrator is cut off from society, as well as herself, her attack on the yellow wallpaper can be seen as an act of resistance. According to Barry, a key component of queer theory is that it argues that "one kind of resistance can stand for all resistance," and therefore the narrator's actions can be interpreted through a queer lens. Also, her inability to maintain female contact prevents her from establishing a "political" lesbian relationship, as described in lesbian feminism.
By
Matt Fisher, at 8/07/2006 5:53 AM
I would approach “The Yellow Wallpaper” from a French feminist perspective because I think that using a traditional “Anglo-American” version only looks at basic critical concepts and could not do the short story justice.
There is certainly a large psychoanalytic element to the story. It is well known that Gilman herself suffered some sort of breakdown and this short story is calling attention to the way women are handled in this sort of situation. While doctors are quick to prescribe men rigorous exercise and work that stimulated the mind when they suffered from nervous conditions, women are prescribed the “rest cure.” Gilman wants to take gender out of the cure and change the treatment of women that she discovered from her own personal experience. I guess this also lends itself to the “Anglo-American” version because it creates themes, but I think it goes well beyond that.
The story is also tied to Gilman’s personal life and history through her role as a female writer. Men often made associations with women writers and their artistic expression and madness. Like Maresa commented, women writers of the nineteenth century (Mary Shelly, George Elliot, Emily Bronte, to name a few) were extremely confined within the nineteenth century and were viewed as walking a thin line between genius and insanity.
Another aspect of the story that fits into the French feminist perspective deals with an issue discussed by feminist critic Deborah Thomas called “The Cult of True Womanhood” that suggests that men created an ideological prison that reduced and silenced women. The actual yellow wallpaper in the story is thus representative of this cult that women need to rip down and go beyond.
As far as queer theory goes, I can make one basic connection: there is a relationship between the narrator and the woman behind the wallpaper. I don’t think I can take it farther and produce evidence, but I can see it lending itself to queer theory in that sort of direction.
By
Meg, at 8/07/2006 6:56 AM
Approaching The Yellow Wallpaper from a feminist persepective, the first thing that jumps to mind is the fact that the main character is held prisoner in a nursery and treated like a child that need not be taken seriously. Her physical health is more important than her mental health in that she needs to appear "normal." In a sense, her overt identity must conceal the dark thoughts that plague her, much like the exterior pattern in the yellow wallpaper traps the "creeping woman" behind it.
I am having trouble understanding the concept of an ecriture feminine. It is the same problem I had reading A Room of One's Own...what exactly is a feminine sentence? Would it be plausible to say that in the beginning of the story Gilman utilizes more masculine language by demonstrating the protagonist's restraint in writing and free thought and consideration for her husband's scientific position, and then moves in a more feminine language as she attacks the wallpaper and freely associates herself with the creeping woman within the wallpaper? Would this be considered writing from her body and not her mind in that she has abandoned the restraint that comes with overthinking?
By
Niela, at 8/07/2006 8:34 AM
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