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

Charlotte Perkins Gilman, born in 1860, was a radix feminist in a time when women kept house and raised churlren. She attributed to the development of a kitchen-less home, socialization of housekeeping and child care (SOURCE 2) although she also married and had a child. Ultimately her radical goals and domestic house life lead to her psychotic downfall. Gilmans dread of domestic life began in childhood when her neglectful father abandoned the family, Charlotte, her bugger off 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 become educated and was able to build a life and abide herself as a single woman. Filled with shame and fear from her parents divorce Gilman was weary to accept the multiple proposals of suitor Charles Walter Stetson, eventually agreeing in 1885 after her proximate friend became married (SOURCE 2). The union was draw as unsa tisfying and a great factor in Gilmans breakdown (SOURCE 1). They had their first and only child in 1886, which was the turning point in Gilmans mental health. The pregnancy was filled with illness and emotional instability she was put on bed wait 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 experience the joy and was a bankruptcy as a woman (SOURCE 2). Gilman was unable to function normally, her life filled with extreme unhappiness or sudden hysteria. Eight months after the birth of their daughter Gilmans emotional state 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 documentation an domestic life began feeling better. Gilman returned home determined she was salubrious again but within a month was returning to her previous state (SOURCE 2). paper in her diary I am very sick with n ervous 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 Rest Cure Treatment and for six weeks, Charlotte had complete bed rest, daily massages, plentiful food, and no access to books or friends. She was sent home with an admonition never 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.