THE ANALYSIS OF MOTHER IMAGE IN THREE SELECTED SHORT STORIES BY CHARLOTTE PERKINS GILMAN

This research aimed to analyze mother images and the relationship of
the images toward children nurturing in three selected short stories written by
Charlotte Perkins Gilman, consisting of The Yellow Wallpaper (1892),
Making A Change (1911), and His Mother (1914). This is a qualitative
descriptive study by reading and interpreting as the data collection techniques.
Data are analyzed by applying five classifications of mother images proposed
by O'Leary (2008). The results showed three mother images in the character
of the short stories: self-martyred mother, self-sacrificing mother, and
substitute mother. Jane (The Yellow Wallpaper), Julia (Making A Change),
and Mrs. Martin (His Mother) reflect self-sacrificing mothers because they
are typical mothers in the world who are willing to sacrifice all things for
their children. But unlike the other two female characters, Mrs. Martin is
more complex. She also portrays as a self-martyred mother. The last figure,
Mrs. Gordins (Making A Change) as Julia's mother–in–law, is described as a
substitute mother because she is willing to replace Julia's role in nurturing
the baby. Morever, the mother portrayal of the four mother characters in the
story is related to children nurturing. They have different ways even though
they represent the same image. They all raise their children intending to show
unconditional love, support, and devotion.
Keywords: Child Nurturing, Mother Images, Short Story