The Yellow Wallpaper A Feminist Prison - 1082 Words

The Yellow Wallpaper, by Charlotte Perkins Gilman uses aspects of the feminist theory to develop the plot as well as create an image of the time. The narrator lives in a patriarchal society where a man’s opinions are rarely, if ever questioned. Throughout the course of the story, the opinions of the narrator, a female, are not valued; men plan out every aspect of her life. The narrator is also treated as weaker than her male counterparts and is referred to using pet names, particularly those given to children. Finally, due to the previously mentioned components of her life, the narrator is confined to the attic of the mansion and it is likely that it is this confinement that drove her to insanity. The Yellow Wallpaper opposes feminist†¦show more content†¦It is decided that with a variety of medicines, supplemented with fresh air and absolutely no work, activity or socialization, she will become well again, although she has postpartum depression and not a physical dis ease. The narrator, on the other hand, disagrees with John’s statement that he would â€Å"as soon put fireworks in my [the narrator’s] pillow case as to let me have those stimulating people [their cousins] about now† (4). She feels that getting out of bed and away from her thoughts would do her good. Her opinion is in fact the opinion of expert’s today, as the Canadian Mental Health Association lists spending time with friends and participating in social activities as two of their five suggestions for coping with postpartum depression (Canadian Mental Health Association). However, due to her low standing as a woman of the house, it simply doesn’t matter what she thinks. Her husband feels she is improving, and although she does not, that also is not important. Because of the supposed success of her treatment, it is continued and she is forced to lie in her bed at the top of the house, pushed out of view with nothing but her thoughts for weeks on en d. Not only are the narrator’s opinions not valued, she is treated as a child. When speaking with her, he refers to her as a â€Å"blessed little goose† (Gilman, 3) and a â€Å"little girl†(7). Clearly he does not take her seriously and assumes her to be no more intelligent than an animal or a child. His opinion ofShow MoreRelatedThemes, Symbols, and Feelings in The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman763 Words   |  4 PagesIn The Yellow Wallpaper, by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, the protagonist symbolizes the effect of the oppression of women in society in the Nineteenth Century. In The Yellow Wallpaper, the author reveals the narrator is torn between hate and love, but emotion is difficult to determine. The effects are produced by the use of complex themes used in the story, which assisted her oppression and reflected on her self-expression. The yellow wallpaper is a symbol of oppression in a woman who felt herRead More The Yellow Wallpaper as an Attack on Radical Feminism1139 Words   |  5 PagesThe Yellow Wallpaper as an Attack on Radical Feminism  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚   â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† explores mental illness and, through this exploration, presents a critique of the place of women in a patriarchal society. Interestingly, Charlotte Perkins Gilman never intended the latter. The primary intent of her short story is to criticize of a physician prescribed treatment called rest cure. The treatment, which she underwent, required female patients to â€Å"’live as domestic a life as possible’† (Gilman)Read MoreThe Struggle For Sanity By Charlotte Perkins Gilman1528 Words   |  7 Pages The Struggle for Sanity The Narrator, Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s Short Story, â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† has been one of the most scrutinized pieces of literature. 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In contrast to this Chopin’s Character, Louise MallardRead MoreSymbolism of the Setting of The Yellow Wallpaper1198 Words   |  5 PagesVolpe 1 Marissa Volpe Prof. Baker ENC 1102 4/10/14 Symbolism In The Gothic Setting of â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† Gothic literature is incredibly distinct. There is a sort of formula involved with writing in the Gothic style, and one of the most important aspects of this is the setting, which can include anything from the architecture of the buildings to the color of the leaves on the trees. The setting of a story is a vital element, as it would seem to be that the most effective way of drawing