Charlotte Perkin Gilman: A life of slient suffering :: Biography

Charlotte Perkins Gilman, born in 1860, was a root word feminist in a time when women kept house and increase children. She attributed to the development of a kitchen-less home, socialization of housekeeping and child care (SOURCE 2) although she besides married and had a child. Ultimately her radical goals and domestic house sustenance lead to her psychotic downfall. Gilmans dread of domestic behavior began in childhood when her neglectful father abandoned the family, Charlotte, her mother and brother. Her mother responded by denying affection, fearing that it would weaken her daughters character and give her an inflated sense of security (SOURCE 2). Gilman fought to sound educated and was able to build a life and support herself as a single woman. Filled with shame and fear from her parents divorce Gilman was get into to accept the multiple proposals of suitor Charles Walter Stetson, eventually agreeing in 1885 after her close together(predicate) jockstrap became marrie d (SOURCE 2). The union was described as unsatisfying and a great factor in Gilmans breakdown (SOURCE 1). They had their first and hardly child in 1886, which was the turning point in Gilmans affable health. The pregnancy was filled with illness and emotional instability she was put on bed rest which left her unstable and depressed by domesticity and ambition (SOURCE 2). After her child was born she claimed she felt guilty she did not bed the joy and was a failure as a woman (SOURCE 2). Gilman was uneffective to function normally, her life filled with peak unhappiness or explosive hysteria. Eight months after the birth of their daughter Gilmans emotional submit was not improving and she left home. She spent five months with a friend collaborating on writings and plays (SOURCE 2) and filled with the relief of living an domestic life began feeling better. Gilman returned home determined she was hearty again but inside a month was returning to her previous state (SOURCE 2). Wr iting in her diary I am very sick with nervous prostration and I think some brain disease as well (SOURCE 2) at this point she began getting treatment from S. Weir Mitchell a nerve specialist. She underwent the reprieve Cure Treatment and for six weeks, Charlotte had complete bed rest, daily massages, freehanded food, and no access to books or friends. She was sent home with an admonition neer to write or paint again (SOURCE 2). The treatment ended with an extreme psychotic breakdown, which is described in her short story The Yellow Wallpaper.