New
New
Year 11
AQA

'The Yellow Wallpaper': crafting voice

I can evaluate how a writer constructs different voices and writes using a specific voice.

New
New
Year 11
AQA

'The Yellow Wallpaper': crafting voice

I can evaluate how a writer constructs different voices and writes using a specific voice.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. In 'The Yellow Wallpaper', Perkins Gilman may have wanted to reveal more about John than the narrator herself.
  2. 'The Yellow Wallpaper' may be a critique of the patriarchal systems in place in the 1800s.
  3. The narrator's husband seems to come across as controlling, dismissive, patronising and authoritative.
  4. We can craft the narrator's husband voice using a range of methods such as imperatives, tag questions and modal verbs.

Common misconception

Pupils may not recognise how terms of endearment can be patronising.

Terms of endearment are traditionally used as a sign of affection but they can be used to subdue, belittle or appease someone (depending on the context).

Keywords

  • Authoritative - showing that you are confident, in control and expect to be obeyed

  • Dismissive - treating someone as if they are unworthy of consideration

  • Patronising - speaking to someone as if they are stupid or unimportant

You may want to read Perkins Gilman's 'Why I wrote 'The Yellow Wallpaper'' and discuss this with pupils during Learning Cycle 1.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need a copy of 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman which is available in the additional materials.

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
  • Depiction or discussion of sexual violence

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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6 Questions

Q1.
What might being dismissive look like?
listening carefully to someone's opinion
agreeing with someone for their approval
Correct answer: disregarding someone else's opinion
Q2.
What might it look like to be authoritative?
being timid when stating your opinion
following the crowd
Correct answer: confidently stating your opinion
Q3.
Which of the below statements is patronising??
"You can do it!"
"Are you okay?"
Correct answer: "I don't think you know what you are saying, sweetie."
Q4.
Which of the below is a modal verb?
like
perhaps
suddenly
read
Correct answer: might
Q5.
Which of the below is a popular term of endearment?
woman
penguin
Correct answer: darling
Q6.
What is true of the 19th century?
men and women were treated as equals
Correct answer: men were given more power and control than women
women got the right to vote

6 Questions

Q1.
When was 'The Yellow Wallpaper' written?
1992
1860
Correct answer: 1892
Q2.
What might 'The Yellow Wallpaper' be a critique of?
Correct answer: patriarchal systems of the 19th century
popular interior design of the 19th century
war and the impact of it in the 19th century
Q3.
How does Perkins Gilman present the narrator's husband in 'The Yellow Wallpaper'?
open-minded
Correct answer: controlling
laidback
Q4.
Which statement below might show dismissiveness?
'You should go for a walk in the garden.'
Correct answer: 'Your fears are all nonsense, darling.'
'Reading, resting and walking are the cures for your condition.'
Q5.
Which type of statement can show an authoritative voice?
interrogative
declarative
Correct answer: imperative
Q6.
Which of the below is a tag question?
'How are you today?'
'Have you tried taking a walk?'
Correct answer: 'You're doing okay, aren't you?'

Additional material

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