Why does Gilman shift the point of view from first person to second person in 'The Yellow Wallpaper,' and how does John's reaction to the narrator's good spirits illustrate dramati... Why does Gilman shift the point of view from first person to second person in 'The Yellow Wallpaper,' and how does John's reaction to the narrator's good spirits illustrate dramatic irony?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the narrative techniques used in 'The Yellow Wallpaper,' specifically why the author shifts the point of view from first person to second person and how this change reflects on the narrator's experience and illustrates dramatic irony through John’s perception of her condition.
Answer
The shift creates a connection through second person; John's misunderstanding shows dramatic irony as he misreads the narrator's worsening state.
Gilman shifts to second person to deepen the connection between the reader and narrator. John's reaction illustrates dramatic irony because he believes the narrator's improved mood indicates recovery, while the reader knows she's descending into madness.
Answer for screen readers
Gilman shifts to second person to deepen the connection between the reader and narrator. John's reaction illustrates dramatic irony because he believes the narrator's improved mood indicates recovery, while the reader knows she's descending into madness.
More Information
The use of second person helps immerse the reader, making them experience the narrators' alienation. John's misunderstanding of her positivity as recovery rather than an indicator of her declining mental state emphasizes the story's themes of misunderstanding mental illness.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming the narrator is improving; pay close attention to cues of her mental deterioration.
Sources
- The Yellow Wallpaper Discussion Questions & Answers - Pg. 2 - coursehero.com
- Why does the point of view in The Yellow Wallpaper change from ... - homework.study.com
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