Providence, Rhode Island, was where much of Gilman's youth was spent and where she was able to be herself. Most of her friends were male, and she was described as a "tomboy," she stated that this was a moment in her life, where she felt unashamed.

 This is where Gilman's formal education truly grew, it was here that she explored who she was and what kind of writer she would be. 

 Providence, Rhode Island, was where much of Gilman's youth was spent and where she was able to be herself. Most of her friends were male, and she was described as a "tomboy," she stated that this was a moment in her life, where she felt unashamed.