The narrator says, “Personally, I believe that congenial work, with excitement and change, would do me good. But what is one to do?” (p. 648) as well as “I cry at nothing, and cry most of the time…I determine for the thousandth time that I will follow th

The narrator is depressed. Her physician husband thinks that she needs a vacation of rest. It is hinted that the woman recently gave birth to a child; her sickness might now be called postpartum depression. I don't think she understands her feelings: she just accepts the patriarchal advice (demands) of her husband. I think she could head for a nervous breakdown if feelings left unchecked.