Depression or Oppression: "The Yellow Wallpaper" by C.P. Gilman

In this lesson students research women's issues in the early 20th century and the attitude toward and treatment of mental illnesses then and now. The research complements the reading of "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. Research provides the basis for a persuasive essay. A rubric is included.

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Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives:

Students will research women's issues of the early 20th century (the setting of the short story "The Yellow Wallpaper").
Students will analyze the story as it relates to the author's life.
Students will analyze the connections between the researched women's issues and mental illness.
Students will research how various mental illnesses were treated during the early 20th century.
Students will write a persuasive essay using the completed research.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level:

Analyzing

Helpful Hints

Materials and Technology:

Copies of the short story, "The Yellow Wallpaper," by C. P. Gilman.
Computers with Internet access
Printer

References

Contributors:

Penny Ferguson

Originator:

Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation