Books matching: madness in women
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- #1
Save:'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is a short story that delves into a woman's descent into madness as she stays confined in a room with yellow wallpaper, growing obsessed with it. The book explores themes of women's mental health issues in the late 19th century, particularly postpartum depression, and the mistreatment of women by society and the medical profession. The narrative is a powerful commentary on women's lack of power in a male-dominated world, showcasing the consequences of isolation and confinement on one's mental state.
The writing style in 'The Yellow Wallpaper' is often described as gothic, haunting, and psychological. It effectively portrays the slow deterioration of the main character's mental state, capturing the reader's attention with vivid descriptions and a sense of impending madness. The story is lauded for its thought-provoking exploration of societal norms and the repression of women, offering a chilling and impactful read in just a few pages.
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—wha... - #2
Save:Mrs. March is a psychological thriller that follows the titular character, a New York upper-class housewife, as she spirals into paranoia and madness after suspecting that her husband's bestselling novel is based on her. The book delves into Mrs. March's delusions, her descent into psychosis, and her increasing inability to distinguish between reality and fantasy. Set against the backdrop of New York's upper class society, the novel explores themes of identity, perception, and the weight of societal expectations.
It was a large tome, the cover featuring an old Dutch oil painting of a young handmaiden touching her neck modestly. Mrs. March passed a rather impressive pyramid of hardcovers in the window of one of... - #3
Save:The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath is a haunting and beautifully written novel that delves into the descent of Esther Greenwood into madness and depression. The story follows Esther, a young woman with a bright future, as she struggles with her mental health, ends up in a psychiatric ward after a suicide attempt, and navigates her way back to normalcy. Plath's writing style is described as poetic, vivid, and sparse, perfectly capturing the delicate yet powerful essence of the subject matter.
The book provides a raw and honest portrayal of depression, mental illness, and the societal pressures faced by women in the 1950s America. Plath's storytelling is poignant, dark, and at times morbidly funny, offering a deep insight into Esther's internal struggles and the challenges she encounters on her journey towards self-discovery and recovery.
It was a queer, sultry summer, the summer they electrocuted the Rosenbergs, and I didn’t know what I was doing in New York. I’m stupid about executions. The idea of being electrocuted makes me sick, a... - #4
Save:'Wide Sargasso Sea' by Jean Rhys is a haunting and dreamlike novel that serves as a prequel to 'Jane Eyre'. It delves into the life of Antoinette Cosway, the first Mrs. Rochester, exploring her descent into madness within the lush landscapes of the West Indies. The book provides a compelling backstory to the character of Bertha, portraying the complexities of class and racial tensions in a post-colonial and post-slavery society, all while challenging the reader's sympathies between Antoinette and Rochester.
They say when trouble come close ranks, and so the white people did. But we were not in their ranks. The Jamaican ladies had never approved of my mother, ‘because she pretty like pretty self’ Christop... - #5
Save:'Great Expectations' by Charles Dickens is a classic tale following the journey of Pip, a young orphan who rises in society and encounters a web of complex relationships and unexpected connections. The story delves into themes of true love, friendship, deception, and the impact of relationships on shaping characters. Dickens weaves a narrative filled with twists, suspense, and moral lessons, as Pip navigates the worlds of the upper class and learns valuable life lessons along the way.
MY FATHER’S FAMILY NAME being Pirrip, and my christian name Philip, my infant tongue could make of both names nothing longer or more explicit than Pip. So I called myself Pip, and came to be called Pi... - #6
Save:Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert is a classic novel that follows the story of Emma Bovary, a woman who is unsatisfied with her provincial life and seeks fulfillment in love and excitement. Despite being married to a country doctor, Charles Bovary, Emma embarks on adulterous affairs and indulges in spending money beyond their means. As her pursuit of happiness leads to ruin, the novel delves into themes of romanticism, disillusionment, and the consequences of unrealistic expectations.
We were in Study Hall, when the Headmaster entered, followed by a new boy dressed in regular clothes and a school servant carrying a large desk. Those who were sleeping woke up, and everyone rose as t... - #7
Save:In 'The Awakening' by Kate Chopin, the story follows Edna Pontellier, a woman who feels trapped by societal expectations and her roles as a wife and mother. As she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, Edna's awakening leads her to question her own desires and the constraints imposed by society in the 1890s. The novel explores themes of feminism, individuality, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment amidst societal pressures, culminating in a tragic ending that challenges traditional norms.
Set in the idyllic coastal community of 1890s New Orleans, 'The Awakening' delves into the inner turmoil of Edna Pontellier as she grapples with her unfulfilled yearnings and embarks on an illicit liaison that reignites her passions. Through sparse prose and poignant storytelling, Kate Chopin crafts a powerful narrative that challenges societal conventions and explores the complexities of women's roles and desires during a time of rigid social norms.
IT WAS ELEVEN O'CLOCK that night when Mr. Pontellier returned from Klein's hotel. He was in an excellent humor, in high spirits, and very talkative. His entrance awoke his wife, who was in bed and fas... - #8
Save:'The Madwoman in the Attic: The Woman Writer and the Nineteenth-Century Literary Imagination' by Sandra M. Gilbert and Susan Gubar is a seminal work of feminist criticism focusing on 19th-century literature, particularly on women writers. It delves into the portrayal of women characters in Victorian novels, highlighting the pressures and stereotypes imposed on female characters by male writers. provides a comprehensive analysis of the struggles faced by women writers during that era and how they subverted traditional tropes in their works.
The writing style of 'The Madwoman in the Attic' is described as iconic, engaging, and comprehensive. Readers appreciate the depth of analysis on literature and women, making it a must-read for anyone interested in women's writing or working on projects related to feminist criticism. not only offers historical insights into the plight of women writers but also presents relevant research and issues that are still pertinent in academia today.
I try to describe this long limitation, hoping that with such power as is now mine, and such use of language as is within that power, this will convince any one who cares about it that this “living” o... - #9
Save:'Nightbitch' by Rachel Yoder is a novel that delves into the complexities of motherhood, exploring the challenges and joys of being a stay-at-home mother in the US. The story follows the protagonist as she navigates the twin pulls of external acceptance and the magic of child-rearing, providing a unique perspective on procreation without sugar-coating the tribulations. Through a blend of weird yet addictive writing style, the book offers a psychological exploration of motherhood, incorporating themes of modern middle-class existence and the struggles faced by women in society.
The narrative of 'Nightbitch' weaves together elements of horror, humor, and introspection, creating a feminist manifesto that challenges traditional notions of motherhood. The book artfully blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, with a focus on the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and the raw emotions associated with maternal instincts. Yoder's unconventional approach to storytelling, including the use of unnamed characters and dark humor, adds depth to the narrative and makes the book a thought-provoking exploration of womanhood and societal expectations.
And only now in her remembering did the events of the recent weeks begin to make sense. For of course she had known about it since she was a child, growing up as she had within the old German ways, wi... - #10
Save:Chuck Wendig's 'Invasive' follows the story of Hannah Stander, an FBI futurist consultant, who is tasked with investigating a remote cabin filled with thousands of dead ants and one human corpse. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers a sinister plot involving genetically engineered killer ants and a billionaire's laboratory on a remote island. The book is described as a fast-paced thriller with graphic descriptions of gore and tension-filled moments that keep readers on edge.
Wendig's writing style in 'Invasive' is praised for its descriptive yet minimal approach, effectively conveying the horror and suspense of the story without unnecessary embellishments. The plot revolves around the development of genetically modified killer ants, the investigation led by the strong female protagonist, Hannah Stander, and the intense build-up of suspense as the true motives behind the deadly ants are revealed.
The smell is what hits her first. It forces its way up her nose before she even crosses the threshold of the cabin. It’s not one odor, but a mélange of them competing for dominance: a rank and heady s...
