The narrator is suffering from what, we would now call, post-partum depression following the birth of her child. During the nineteenth century, the most commonly prescribed cure for such nervous conditions was the "rest cure." According to Dr. Weir Mitchell, who became famous for prescribing the "rest cure," this treatment would involve having the patient remain in bed from six weeks to two months not permitting the patient to sit up or to sew or write or read. The only action allowed is that needed to clean the teeth" (Lawall 1). John prescribed exactly this for his wife, whom he told had a, "temporary nervous depression a slight hysterical tendency." (Gilman 328) For instance, John has "forbidden" the narrator to work, and ordered her not to write or partake in any activity in which she expresses her thoughts or exerts herself. . "There comes John, and I must put this away - he hates to have me write a word" (Gilman 330); although, she "did write for a while in spite of them" (Gilman 329). John has complete control over his wife, as many men did during the 1800s. Instead of listening to her pleas of help and her dire need to have communication and activity outside "the nursery," he insists that she is getting better, although the reader feels as if she is getting closer to insanity. It is painfully obvious that she feels trapped and unable to express her fears to her husband. "You see, he does not believe I am sick. And what can one do? If a physician of high standing and one's own husband assures friends and relatives that there is really nothing the matter with one but temporary nervous depression - a slight hysterical tendency - what is one to do?" (Gilman 328) Her husband is not the only male figure who dominates and oppresses her. Her brother, also a doctor, "Says the same thing" (Gilman 328). The narrator is continually submissive, bowing to her husband's wishes, even though she is unhappy and depressed.
