Question

relate gothic elements to social attitudes
which of the following statements describe gothic elements in \the yellow wallpaper\ that reflect social attitudes? check the three boxes that apply.
the narrator talks lovingly and at length about her baby, implying that supernatural elements are at work.
the image of the woman behind the bars suggests the theme of male expectations as a prison from which she cannot escape.
the husbands treatment of his wife is based on the assumption that she is weak and frail, like a damsel in distress.
the \cure\ prescribed by the male doctor causes, rather than cures, the narrators mental problems.
the narrators room is a former nursery and playroom which heightens mystery and suspense.

Explanation:

• The image of the woman behind bars represents the entrapment of female identity due to male - imposed restrictions, a social attitude. The husband's assumption of the wife's weakness reflects the typical male - dominated view of women in society at the time. The male - prescribed "cure" worsening the narrator's mental state shows the critique of male - centric medical authority and its impact on women's health.

Answer:

• The image of the woman behind the bars suggests the theme of male expectations as a prison from which she cannot escape.
• The husband's treatment of his wife is based on the assumption that she is weak and frail, like a damsel in distress.
• The "cure" prescribed by the male doctor causes, rather than cures, the narrator's mental problems.