Who Does Gilman Ultimately Blame For The Narrator's Descent Into Madness?

How would “The Yellow Wallpaper” be different if it were told from John’s point of view? If “The Yellow Wallpaper” were told from John’s perspective, it would differ greatly, as it would be a much more detached view of the narrator’s descent into madness. John views the narrator, his wife, as a burden. The story would be told from the point of view of someone who is extremely practical, and does not understand the significance of imagination. John is so sure he knows what’s best for his wife that he disregards her own opinion of the matter, forcing her to hide her true feelings. He constantly patronizes her, calls her a “blessed little goose”, and vetoes her smallest wishes, such as when he refuses to switch bedrooms so as not to overindulge her “fancies”(4). 2. Who does Gilman ultimately blame for the narrator’s descent into madness? Why? Gilman seems to blame the John
Is John the villain in the story? Why or why not? Although John seems like the obvious villain the “The Yellow Wallpaper”, the story does not allow us to see him as entirely evil. John can be perceived as both the villain and a protagonist in the story. John only knows his wife superficially. Not only does he confine his wife to the nursery for the “rest cure” treatment, but he will not allow her to express her creativity or have any say in her life. He did not intend to harm his wife, but did not understand the negative effect his treatment has on her. As the narrator notes, it’s clear that he “loves [the narrator] dearly, and hates to have her sick” (7), but also plays a considerable role in her descent into madness. 5. What is the significance of the other female characters in the story? Jennie is John’s sister, and the caretaker of the couple. She is extremely “careful of [the narrator]”(5). At times Her presence and contentment with such a domestic role further intensifies the narrator’s feelings of guilt over her own inability to act as a traditional wife and