The yellow wallpaper

Definition

The yellow wallpaper is a short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, first published in 1892, that explores themes of mental illness, gender roles, and the oppression of women. The narrative follows a woman's descent into madness as she is confined to a room with yellow wallpaper, which becomes a symbol of her struggle against societal norms and her own mental confinement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The story is written in the form of a journal, allowing readers to witness the protagonist's mental decline firsthand.
2. The yellow wallpaper in the room symbolizes the constraints placed on women during the late 19th century and reflects the protagonist's growing obsession with it.
3. The protagonist's husband, John, represents the authoritative male figure of the time, dismissing her feelings and enforcing strict rest cure treatment.
4. Gilman's own experiences with postpartum depression influenced the writing of this story, highlighting the importance of personal narratives in understanding mental health.
5. The ending of the story features a dramatic climax where the protagonist tears down the wallpaper, signifying her rebellion against her oppression.

Review Questions

• How does the yellow wallpaper function as a symbol within the narrative, and what does it reveal about the protagonist's mental state?
  • The yellow wallpaper serves as a powerful symbol of the protagonist's confinement and mental deterioration. As she becomes increasingly obsessed with its patterns, it mirrors her struggle against societal expectations and her oppressive domestic life. The wallpaper transforms from an object of repulsion to one that embodies her desire for freedom, reflecting her growing awareness of her entrapment and foreshadowing her eventual rebellion.
• Discuss the significance of gender roles depicted in the yellow wallpaper and how they contribute to the protagonist's mental illness.
  • Gender roles in the yellow wallpaper are crucial to understanding the protagonist's mental illness. The story portrays a rigid Victorian society where women are expected to be submissive and dependent. The protagonist's husband, John, enforces these norms by prescribing the 'rest cure,' which restricts her freedom and dismisses her autonomy. This treatment exacerbates her feelings of isolation and despair, ultimately leading to her psychological breakdown.
• Evaluate how Charlotte Perkins Gilman uses the theme of oppression in the yellow wallpaper to critique societal norms regarding women's mental health during the late 19th century.
  • Charlotte Perkins Gilman critiques societal norms regarding women's mental health through the theme of oppression in the yellow wallpaper. By depicting a woman's descent into madness as a direct result of enforced domesticity and lack of agency, Gilman highlights the detrimental effects of such societal expectations. The story not only reveals how women's voices were marginalized but also emphasizes the urgent need for change in understanding mental health, advocating for women's autonomy and self-expression as vital components for their well-being.

Related terms

Mental Illness: A broad term that encompasses various psychological conditions affecting mood, thinking, and behavior, often leading to significant distress or impairment in functioning.

Feminism: A movement advocating for women's rights and equality, aiming to challenge and change societal norms that oppress women and limit their roles.

Symbolism:

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, allowing deeper meanings to emerge within a narrative or artistic work.