Charlotte Gilman’s The Yellow Wallpaper is an autobiographical piece that sheds light on the oppression of women by men and society during that era. The story’s central theme revolves around the limited roles of women in society, and the narrator highlights this issue. The author’s decision to not name the main character emphasizes that she represents a larger group of people rather than just an individual, making it a story that speaks out for all women.
Gilman entered into marriage with Charles Walter Stetson, an aspiring artist, in 1884. However, after giving birth to her daughter, she experienced depression and sought treatment from Dr. Mitchell. He advised her to take “rest” as the most effective remedy. Despite undergoing the treatment, Gilman eventually grew weary and decided to divorce her husband in 1888. She then relocated to California to continue her studies. In 1892, she published The Yellow Wallpaper, a short story that closely mirrors various aspects of her own life.
During the early 19th century, a medical condition was diagnosed in women called “hysteria”, which was believed to be caused by a disorder of the uterus. According to the Diagnosis and Discourse in The Yellow Wallpaper, “the diagnosis of hysteria or depression was a conventional women’s disease in the nineteenth century.” At the beginning of the story, we are immediately informed that the wife is suffering from postpartum depression after giving birth to her first child. Her husband, John, who is a physician, tends to take good care of her. The narrator suffers from constant mood swings and her husband interprets it as “hysteria.” He advised her to take “bed rest” all the time.
The narrator is deeply troubled by the fact that she is not allowed to write in her diary. As a result, she decides to hide it in her room, where the yellow wallpaper hangs, and continues to write entries on a daily basis. Through her diary, she is able to express her thoughts and observations about her own mental state and the happenings in the house. This highlights the limited avenues for self-expression available to women during that time period. Society and men, in particular, have long perceived women as weak, and their lives were primarily centered around the domestic sphere, with male figures such as fathers, husbands, and children playing a significant role. The ideal woman was expected to dedicate her life to her household and motherhood.
In a similar vein, the protagonist’s spouse in the narrative unjustly regarded her as a dependent who required constant guidance. John consistently undervalued his wife and viewed her as inferior due to her gender. As both her husband and physician, he wielded authority over every aspect of her existence, assuming she lacked the capability to make her own choices. Furthermore, he separated her from their newborn, believing she was incapable of adequately caring for the child.
Jenny, a character in the story, is introduced as John’s sister and is responsible for taking care of the baby. She is depicted as the ideal woman, someone who would excel as a mother and wife. The narrator describes her as an enthusiastic housekeeper who is content with her role. However, there is a hint of sadness in the narrator’s tone, as Jenny does not excel in any other areas. In that time period, women were expected to prioritize their household duties and were revered for doing so. Any women who challenged societal norms were seen as outsiders. Despite this, the narrator is not overly concerned with fulfilling her duties, as her true passion lies in writing, which her husband disapproves of.
Moreover, both husband and wife had completely different points of views about their life. John felt that writing would put a lot of pressure on her sensitive brain and only worsen the condition. Conversely, the narrator felt not being able to express herself thoroughly is the reason for her mental illness. A major part of her anger came from the fact that she wasn’t allowed to write. The woman eventually goes insane as she is continuously tortured by thoughts. She was considered vulnerable to emotional outburst. The story explains that it is the bed rests itself, and the false beliefs that make women hysterical.
As a result of her isolation, the woman experiences a deterioration of her mental state and develops a peculiar obsession with the wallpaper in her room. Over time, she grows to despise the wallpaper and feels as though her own mind is trapped within its intricate patterns. Surprisingly, her mental and emotional well-being starts to improve as her curiosity about the wallpaper intensifies. Eventually, she develops a strong affinity for the wallpaper and forms a strange attachment to it. Through her exploration, she uncovers that the figure hidden within the complex designs is a woman who is imprisoned behind bars. Every night, this trapped woman vigorously struggles against the patterns in an attempt to break free, but unfortunately, she is always thwarted as the pattern mercilessly suffocates her.
The wallpaper serves as a representation of the narrator’s family structure and traditions, which she feels trapped in. Her affinity towards the wallpaper may stem from her ability to relate to it on a personal level. The Yellow Wallpaper is rife with irony, particularly in the use of words with multiple meanings. The narrator’s statement about expecting her husband to laugh at her in marriage is ironic, as it is not a healthy expectation. Additionally, her assertion that her case is not serious is humorous given the severity of her mental state.
The patterns of societal norms restrict our freedom, as depicted in the story. The protagonist envisions herself breaking free from these conventions and escaping their grasp. The bars in the story symbolize the social norms of the era that she is unable to overcome. Gilman employs vivid imagery of the wallpaper to convey the suffocating conditions that women faced during this time. The author skillfully employs the “horrid” wallpaper as a representation of the domestic life that entrapped countless women in the 19th century.
In the final scene, the protagonist takes action by peeling off the wallpaper, symbolizing her determination to help the desperate woman escape her confinement. She moves stealthily around the room, dragging her head against the wall as she uncovers the hidden layers. At this point, the narrator’s sanity deteriorates, leading her to lock herself inside the room. This act signifies her newfound fearlessness towards her husband, as she declares that no one can confine her again. The woman expresses her joy in liberating herself from the oppressive yellow wallpaper. The ending of the story is powerful as it portrays the narrator’s mental liberation and her discovery of peace in a world where her husband’s oppressive rules hold no sway. This optimistic conclusion aims to inspire hope for women who were struggling during that time period. It is worth noting that Gilman herself defied societal expectations by leaving her first husband and pursuing her studies in California.
Another text that relates and explores the role of women in depth, is called, “The Turn of the Screw.” It delves into the role of women extensively, while also being recognized as a ghost story, thriller, and suspenseful narrative. In contrast to “The Yellow Wallpaper,” this text presents a more positive outlook on women, depicting them as “working women.” During the Victorian Era, women began to explore their own identities and recognized that there existed a world beyond the confines of the domestic sphere, where they could contribute significantly. They actively fought for their rights and became increasingly prevalent in the workforce, establishing their own place in society.
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