Hello Harsh,

Mr. Gilman was the principal of the Cambridge School of Young Ladies. A kind, intelligent and able man, Mr. Gilman was always ready to help Helen as a teacher, mentor, and interpreter. Though he was a busy man he would spend time with Helen, trying to help her the best he could in her endeavors towards learning. He was a kind-hearted person: always concerned about Helen and her education. He was also most sympathetic towards Helen and her special circumstances and showed a lot of patience with her. During her examinations, he used to read out whole question papers to her and acted as her eyes during her stay in Cambridge. Being generous, he even let Milred, Helen's sister, study at Cambridge with her. But due to a difference of opinion on Helen's preparing period for college and a misunderstanding with Miss Sullivan, Helen's mother was forced to withdraw both her daughters from Cambridge School.

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Gilman's Character Sketch

Gilman is a complex and multi-dimensional character in the story. He exhibits various traits and undergoes a significant transformation throughout the narrative. Let's delve into the details of Gilman's character.




Appearance and Physical Traits

Gilman is described as a middle-aged man with a tall and lean frame. His appearance seems to reflect his intellectual nature and the weariness that comes from years of academic pursuits. He has thinning hair and a pair of spectacles that add to his scholarly look.




Intellectual Curiosity

Gilman possesses a deep intellectual curiosity that is evident in his pursuit of knowledge and his passion for his field of study. He is a dedicated academic who spends long hours in his laboratory, conducting experiments and researching his area of expertise. This intellectual curiosity drives him to explore the unknown and push the boundaries of scientific understanding.




Obsession with the Yellow Wallpaper

As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Gilman has developed an unhealthy obsession with the yellow wallpaper in his wife's room. He becomes fixated on deciphering its patterns and unraveling its mysteries. This obsession reflects his deteriorating mental state and serves as a metaphor for his own confined existence.




Progressive Mental Decline

Gilman's character undergoes a progressive mental decline throughout the narrative. Initially, he appears rational and logical, but as the story unfolds, his behavior becomes increasingly erratic and disturbed. He starts hallucinating and attributing supernatural qualities to the wallpaper, which indicates a break from reality.




Transformation and Breakthrough

Towards the end of the story, Gilman experiences a transformation. He reaches a breaking point and finally realizes the detrimental effects of his obsession and the oppressive nature of his environment. This realization leads to a breakthrough in his understanding and prompts him to take action to free himself from the confines of his mental and physical imprisonment.




Overall, Gilman's character is a complex blend of intellectual curiosity, obsession, and eventual transformation. His journey from a rational academic to a mentally disturbed individual highlights the destructive power of confinement and the importance of individual agency in maintaining mental well-being.