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

Charlotte Perkins Gilman, born in 1860, was a radical feminist in a time when women kept house and raised children. She attributed to the development of a â€Å"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. Gilman’s dread of domestic life began in childhood when her neglectful father abandoned the family, Charlotte, her mother and brother. Her mother responded by denying affection, fearing â€Å"that it would weaken her daughter's character and give her an inflated sense of security† (SOURCE 2). Gilman fought to become 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 weary to accept the multiple proposals of suitor Charles Walter Stetson, eventually agreeing in 1885 after her closest friend became married (SOURCE 2). The union was described as unsatisfying and a great factor in Gilman’s breakdown (SOURCE 1). They had their first and only child in 1886, which was the turning point in Gilman’s mental health. The pregnancy was filled with illness and emotional instability; she was put on bed rest which left her unstable and â€Å"depressed by domesticity and ambition† (SOURCE 2). After her child was born she claimed she â€Å"felt guilty she did not experience the joy† and â€Å"was a failure 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 Gilman’s 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 living an domestic life began feeling better. Gilman returned home determined she was well again but within a month was returning to her previous state (SOURCE 2). Writing in her diary â€Å"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 Rest Cure Treatment and â€Å"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.