... were overly emotional, controlled by their uterus and hormones (indeed, one extreme treatment of hysteria called for a hysterectomy. The etymology of that surgery is no doubt an interesting one), a dynamic that is easily seen in the text. "John laughs at me, of course,"" (Perkins Gilman, 1) the narrator tells us, ... She is a perfect and enthusiastic housekeeper, and hopes for no other profession"" (Perkins Gilman, 4). She is there to show us how John's ideal woman behaves. She has no ambition, outside of knowing her place and performing her task of servitude faithfully. Her reward is to...

• Word Count: 845
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate