Select the correct answer.
Which of these lines from "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman best demonstrates the unreliability of the narrator?
A.
John laughs at me, of course, but one expects that in marriage.
B.
There comes John's sister. Such a dear girl as she is, and so careful of me!
C.
I can see a strange, provoking, formless sort of figure, that seems to skulk about behind that silly and conspicuous front design.
D.
But I can write when she is out, and see her a long way off from these windows.
E.
He is very careful and loving, and hardly lets me stir without special direction.
C.
I can see a strange, provoking, formless sort of figure, that seems to skulk about behind that silly and conspicuous front design.
The correct answer is option C. "I can see a strange, provoking, formless sort of figure, that seems to skulk about behind that silly and conspicuous front design." This line from "The Yellow Wallpaper" best demonstrates the unreliability of the narrator because it suggests that the narrator is seeing something that may not actually be there, indicating possible hallucinations or delusions.
To determine which of these lines from "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman best demonstrates the unreliability of the narrator, we need to look for clues that suggest the narrator's perception or judgment may not be reliable. Let's analyze each option:
A. "John laughs at me, of course, but one expects that in marriage."
This line does not necessarily indicate the narrator's unreliability but instead highlights a perception that laughter from John is expected in marriage.
B. "There comes John's sister. Such a dear girl as she is, and so careful of me!"
This line demonstrates the narrator's reliance on John's sister, which could imply a lack of independence. However, it does not directly challenge the narrator's reliability.
C. "I can see a strange, provoking, formless sort of figure, that seems to skulk about behind that silly and conspicuous front design."
This line suggests that the narrator sees a figure behind the wallpaper which others cannot see, indicating a possible distortion in perception or hallucination, making it a strong choice for demonstrating unreliability.
D. "But I can write when she is out, and see her a long way off from these windows."
Although this line indicates the narrator's ability to write when alone, it does not inherently suggest unreliability.
E. "He is very careful and loving, and hardly lets me stir without special direction."
This line speaks to the control exerted by the male figure but does not explicitly address the narrator's reliability.
Based on the analysis, the correct answer would be:
C. "I can see a strange, provoking, formless sort of figure, that seems to skulk about behind that silly and conspicuous front design."
This line demonstrates the narrator's unreliable perception or possibly a distorted reality.