For this project, you will discuss the characters in "The Yellow Wallpaper," and then discuss how your ideas about the characters and story are affected by the later essay, "Why I Wrote The Yellow Wallpaper?." First, assume the role of one of three characters in the story the narrator (the fictional Charlotte), her husband John, or the doctor, Dr. Silas Weir Mitchell. Prepare for the discussion based on your chosen character. There will be three main parts to the discussion/project.

Part One
Imagine that a famous talk show host has invited the three characters to appear on her show, and you must prepare one of the characters for the interview. The narrator (Charlotte) will be the first guest; later, the two men will join her.

Although the characters will interact, each character will have a maximum of one to two minutes to speak at any one time during the discussion. Your first task, as a group, will be to construct questions with the purpose of anticipating the questions the characters may be asked by the host, as well as imagining the resulting discussion the other characters would be likely to have. Your discussion group should:
construct a minimum of nine thoughtful questions (three directed to each character) that the host will use to prompt the discussion on his/her talk show
discuss and record ideas about the conversation these questions will elicit
When you have finished this part of the discussion, separate from your group and step into your character. Prepare yourself to, be prepared to:
explain or defend your character's behavior
explain what was going on in your character's mind at the time of the story
ask the other two characters questions
Keep in mind the line between reality and fiction. The story is semi-autobiographical, so some of it is true and some of it is fiction. Stay in character as you organize your ideas, and base this part of the discussion on the story. Remember that the story is written from the narrator's point of view, and the reader sees the other characters through her eyes. For the purpose of this part of the discussion, consider the perspective of the husband and the doctor based on what you can infer about them from the story and what you know about the mental illness and social mores of the time.
Prepare note cards for your major ideas so you do not lose track of them when questions are posed. You may find this graphic organizer helpful in sketching out your character and preparing your responses.

Part Two
To prepare for the third part of the discussion, you will read Gilman’s essay “Why I Wrote The Yellow Wallpaper.”

Click here to read the essay.

At the end of the first segment of the show, there will be a station break and you will fast-forward thirteen years. Now Gilman has written "Why I Wrote The Yellow Wallpaper?," and she has been invited back by the host. The doctor and her ex-husband have declined the invitation. Construct four more questions that the host would ask Gilman. Respond to the questions as yourself, but include in your discussion how you think Gilman might have answered.

In order to construct these questions you will need to think about the historical context of the story. What was society like for women of Gilman’s era? What changes have there been over the years? Make notes about your ideas to help you give informed answers to the host’s prompts and to other students' responses.

Part Three
Discuss with your class group how Gilman would likely answer the questions you have constructed. Then, step back into the present. Discuss whether or not women have achieved equality since Gilman’s time. Take notes on this discussion. Be prepared to support your answers with facts, quotes, or other historical data.