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The Wallpaper
The story is told through a series of secret entries in the diary of the narrator, who has been forbidden from writing. As a form of written expression, the diary represents the life of the mind that the narrator has been forced to give up during her “rest cure,: and gives the reader a privileged view of her inner life. The diary is also a symbol of the narrator’s rebellion against John.
The Diary Quotes in The Yellow Wallpaper
The The Yellow Wallpaper quotes below all refer to the symbol of The Diary. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
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First Entry
Quotes
John is a physician, and PERHAPS—(I would not say it to a living soul, of course, but this is dead paper and a great relief to my mind)—PERHAPS that is one reason I do not get well faster.
You see he does not believe I am sick!
And what can one do?
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Second Entry
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There comes John's sister. Such a dear girl as she is, and so careful of me! I must not let her find me writing. She is a perfect and enthusiastic housekeeper, and hopes for no better profession. I verily believe she thinks it is the writing which made me sick!
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Eleventh Entry
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I have found out another funny thing, but I shan't tell it this time! It does not do to trust people too much.
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The Diary Symbol Timeline in The Yellow Wallpaper
The timeline below shows where the symbol The Diary appears in The Yellow Wallpaper. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
First Entry
As John approaches, the narrator hides the diary where she is writing this note.
(full context)
Second Entry
...in a sub-pattern. Jennie’s approach on the stairs interrupts her musing, and she hides the diary.
(full context)
Third Entry
...lies in bed watching it. Following its ‘interminable grotesques’ tires her, so she ends her diary entry to take a nap.
(full context)
