I got up and ran to help her.

great many women behind

The front pattern DOES move—and no wonder! The woman behind shakes it!

BECAUSE of the wall-paper

Life is very much more exciting now than it used to be

But I know she was studying that pattern, and I am determined that nobody shall find it out but myself!

Secrecy allows the narrator to preserve her own voice against social and familial surveillance.

But I know she was studying that pattern, and I am determined that nobody shall find it out but myself!

but now I am quite sure it is a woman.

“I don’t weigh a bit more,” said I, “nor as much; and my appetite may be better in the evening when you are here, but it is worse in the morning when you are away!” “Bless her little heart!” said he with a big hug, “she shall be as sick as she pleases! But now let’s improve the shining hours by going to sleep, and talk about it in the morning!” “And you won’t go away?” I asked gloomily. “Why, how can I, dear? It is only three weeks more and then we will take a nice little trip of a few days while Jennie is getting the house ready. Really dear you are better!” “Better in body perhaps—” I began, and stopped short, for he sat up straight and looked at me with such a stern, reproachful look that I could not say another word.

you really are better, dear, whether you can see it or not. I am a doctor, dear, and I know.

It is getting to be a great effort for me to think straight

It is so hard to talk with John about my case, because he is so wise, and because he loves me so.

There are things in that paper that nobody knows but me, or ever will. Behind that outside pattern the dim shapes get clearer every day. It is always the same shape, only very numerous. And it is like a woman stooping down and creeping about behind that pattern.

great immovable bed—it is nailed down

he is just like John and my brother,

kind of sub-pattern

as if it KNEW

Then he took me in his arms and called me a blessed little goose,