Which Options Are Themes In The Giant Wistaria By Charlotte Perkins Gilman?Please Select All That Apply.A. The Opinions, Needs, And Desires Of Women Have Been Dismissed By Many Throughout History.B. Thinking About Ghosts Will Make You Likely To See

Unveiling the Themes in "The Giant Wistaria" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Charlotte Perkins Gilman's short story, "The Giant Wistaria," is a lesser-known work compared to her more famous piece, "The Yellow Wallpaper." However, it still offers valuable insights into the societal norms and expectations of women during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In this article, we will delve into the themes present in "The Giant Wistaria" and explore how they relate to the experiences of women during that time period.

The Dismissal of Women's Opinions, Needs, and Desires

A. The opinions, needs, and desires of women have been dismissed by many throughout history.

This theme is a recurring issue in Gilman's work, and "The Giant Wistaria" is no exception. The story revolves around the character of Mrs. Bentley, a woman who is struggling to cope with the loss of her husband. Her opinions, needs, and desires are constantly dismissed by her family and society, leading to feelings of isolation and despair.

The story highlights the societal expectations placed on women during this time period. Women were expected to be submissive, obedient, and nurturing, with their primary role being that of a caregiver. Any deviation from these expectations was met with disapproval and dismissal. Mrs. Bentley's attempts to express her own needs and desires are met with resistance, further exacerbating her feelings of frustration and hopelessness.

The Power of the Human Mind

B. Thinking about ghosts will make you likely to see them.

This theme is a clever play on the idea that our thoughts and perceptions can shape our reality. In the story, Mrs. Bentley's obsession with the giant wistaria plant is likened to a ghostly presence that haunts her. The plant becomes a symbol of her own desires and needs, which are being suppressed by society.

The story suggests that our thoughts and perceptions can have a profound impact on our reality. By focusing on the giant wistaria, Mrs. Bentley is able to tap into her own desires and needs, which are being denied by society. This theme is reminiscent of the idea that our thoughts can shape our reality, and that by focusing on our desires and needs, we can create a more fulfilling life.

The Importance of Self-Expression

C. Self-expression is essential for personal growth and happiness.

This theme is closely tied to the idea that our thoughts and perceptions can shape our reality. By expressing ourselves authentically, we are able to tap into our own desires and needs, which are essential for personal growth and happiness.

In the story, Mrs. Bentley's self-expression is stifled by society's expectations. Her attempts to express herself are met with resistance, leading to feelings of frustration and hopelessness. However, through her obsession with the giant wistaria, she is able to find a way to express herself authentically, which brings her a sense of peace and fulfillment.

The Impact of Social Expectations

D. Social expectations can have a profound impact on our lives.

This theme is a recurring issue in Gilman's work, and "The Giant Wistaria" is no exception. The story highlights the societal expectations placed on women during this time period, and how these expectations can have a profound impact on our lives.

The story suggests that social expectations can be suffocating, leading to feelings of frustration and hopelessness. By conforming to societal norms, we can lose touch with our own desires and needs, leading to a sense of disconnection and despair. However, by challenging these expectations and expressing ourselves authentically, we can create a more fulfilling life.

In conclusion, "The Giant Wistaria" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is a thought-provoking work that explores the themes of the dismissal of women's opinions, needs, and desires, the power of the human mind, the importance of self-expression, and the impact of social expectations. Through her use of symbolism and imagery, Gilman highlights the societal norms and expectations of women during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and how these expectations can have a profound impact on our lives.

By examining these themes, we can gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of women during this time period, and how they continue to shape our lives today. As we navigate the complexities of modern society, it is essential to remember the importance of self-expression, personal growth, and challenging societal norms. By doing so, we can create a more fulfilling life, one that is authentic and true to ourselves.
Frequently Asked Questions about "The Giant Wistaria" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Q: What is the main theme of "The Giant Wistaria" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman?

A: The main theme of "The Giant Wistaria" is the dismissal of women's opinions, needs, and desires by society. The story highlights the societal expectations placed on women during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and how these expectations can have a profound impact on their lives.

Q: Who is the main character in "The Giant Wistaria"?

A: The main character in "The Giant Wistaria" is Mrs. Bentley, a woman who is struggling to cope with the loss of her husband. She is a symbol of the societal norms and expectations placed on women during this time period.

Q: What is the significance of the giant wistaria plant in the story?

A: The giant wistaria plant is a symbol of Mrs. Bentley's own desires and needs, which are being suppressed by society. It represents her longing for freedom and self-expression, and her desire to break free from the societal norms that are suffocating her.

Q: What is the author's purpose in writing "The Giant Wistaria"?

A: The author's purpose in writing "The Giant Wistaria" is to highlight the societal norms and expectations placed on women during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and to challenge these expectations. The story is a commentary on the limited roles and opportunities available to women during this time period.

Q: How does the story relate to the author's other works?

A: "The Giant Wistaria" is a lesser-known work by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, but it shares many themes and motifs with her more famous piece, "The Yellow Wallpaper." Both stories explore the experiences of women during this time period, and the societal norms and expectations that shape their lives.

Q: What is the significance of the title "The Giant Wistaria"?

A: The title "The Giant Wistaria" is a reference to the giant wistaria plant that is central to the story. The plant is a symbol of Mrs. Bentley's own desires and needs, and the title suggests that these desires and needs are being suppressed by society.

Q: What message do you think the author is trying to convey through this story?

A: The author is trying to convey the importance of self-expression and personal growth, and the need to challenge societal norms and expectations. The story suggests that by conforming to societal norms, we can lose touch with our own desires and needs, leading to a sense of disconnection and despair.

Q: How does the story relate to modern society?

A: The story relates to modern society in that it highlights the ongoing struggle for women's rights and equality. The societal norms and expectations that are depicted in the story are still relevant today, and the story serves as a reminder of the importance of challenging these norms and expectations.

Q: What do you think is the most important lesson from this story?

A: The most important lesson from this story is the importance of self-expression and personal growth. The story suggests that by expressing ourselves authentically, we can create a more fulfilling life, one that is true to ourselves.