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Charlotte Perkins Gilman's 'The Yellow Wallpaper' analysis
Typology: Essays (university)
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Eliana Defreitas Short Stories October 19, 1150 words Charlotte Perkins Gilman's 'The Yellow Wallpaper' is an incredibly thought-provoking piece of literature that delves into the harrowing consequences of 19th-century patriarchal medical and societal norms on women's mental well-being. This haunting short story vividly depicts the oppressive limitations placed on women during that era, underscoring the importance of considering the historical context to fully grasp the story's themes and the protagonist's descent into madness. Through the eyes of the main character, we get a stark glimpse into a society that marginalized and pathologized women's experiences, pushing them to the brink of sanity. Gilman's narrative doesn't just chill us with one woman's suffering; it also offers a compelling commentary on broader issues like gender, mental health, and societal control that continue to persist in various forms even today.Charlotte Perkins Gilman's 'The Yellow Wallpaper' is a powerful portrayal of the damaging effects of the 19th-century patriarchal medical and social norms on women's mental health, highlighting the significance of historical context in understanding the story's themes and the protagonist's descent into madness. In this analysis, we'll take a deep dive into the historical backdrop that shaped Gilman's writing and explore how it sheds light on the story's themes and the protagonist's tragic journey into madness. To comprehend the depths of 'The Yellow Wallpaper,' one must first step back into the 19th century, a time characterized by deeply entrenched patriarchal norms and medical practices that often did more harm than good to women. The story's narrator, who remains unnamed throughout the narrative, is subject to the "rest cure" prescribed by her physician-husband, John. This treatment advocated absolute bed rest, isolation, and limited mental stimulation as a remedy for women's supposed "nervous disorders." Such disorders were often the result of societal pressures and constraints placed upon women, but the medical establishment seldom acknowledged this. One cannot ignore the oppressive environment in which the protagonist finds herself—a colonial mansion with a room adorned in ghastly, yellow wallpaper. In the 19th century, the domestic sphere was considered the rightful place for women, and any desire for intellectual or creative pursuits was frowned upon. The woman's inability to express herself and her artistic inclinations are evident in her fascination with the wallpaper, which she describes as "one of those sprawling, flamboyant patterns committing every artistic sin,"(Gilman, 1). As we journey deeper into 'The Yellow Wallpaper,' we witness the protagonist's harrowing descent into madness. Trapped within her prescribed isolation, she becomes increasingly fixated on the yellow wallpaper. Her initial antipathy towards it transforms into an obsession, and she starts seeing a woman trapped behind the pattern—a reflection of her own captivity. The room itself becomes a symbol of her own confinement and the restrictive gender roles imposed upon her by society. The protagonist's obsession with the wallpaper mirrors the larger societal obsession with controlling women's minds and bodies. The rest cure, which was believed to cure women of their nervous disorders, only served to exacerbate their mental distress. Gilman herself had experienced the horrors of this treatment and wrote 'The Yellow Wallpaper' as a response to the damaging effects it had on her mental health. Gilman's work delves deep into the gender roles and societal expectations of the 19th century. Women were expected to be the embodiment of purity, motherhood, and domesticity. The protagonist, as a wife and mother, is expected to conform to these ideals. However, her own desires and inclinations clash violently with these expectations, pushing her towards a state of madness. The male characters in the story, particularly her husband John, represent the embodiment of patriarchy. He dismisses her concerns, prescribes her treatment without consulting her, and constantly infantilizes her by calling her "little girl,"(Gilman, 4). In this way, John becomes the personification of the oppressive medical and societal norms that women of that era faced. His actions, though well-intentioned in his mind, serve to imprison and disempower his wife. In the oppressive atmosphere of the time, the protagonist's descent into madness can be seen as a desperate attempt to reclaim her voice and agency. As her obsession with the wallpaper intensifies, she starts to strip it away, piece by piece, in an act of rebellion. This symbolic act represents her struggle to break free from the confines of her prescribed role as a wife and mother. Her narrative is a poignant commentary on the importance of self-expression and agency. Women of the 19th century were often denied a voice in matters of their own health and well-being, leaving them vulnerable to the whims and decisions of male physicians and family members.
While 'The Yellow Wallpaper' is deeply rooted in the 19th century, its themes and messages continue to resonate with modern readers. The story serves as a stark reminder that the struggle for women's autonomy, agency, and mental health is an ongoing battle. Even today, women face societal expectations and norms that restrict their freedom and voice. Issues like gaslighting, where women's experiences and emotions are invalidated, still persist. The story of the protagonist is a testament to the long history of women being silenced and pathologized, and it highlights the importance of continued efforts to challenge and change these norms. In the field of mental health, 'The Yellow Wallpaper' draws attention to the often complex relationship between gender and diagnosis. Women have historically been more likely to be diagnosed with mental disorders, and their experiences have been minimized or dismissed as hysteria. Gilman's own experiences with the rest cure and her subsequent advocacy for women's mental health reform remain relevant in the ongoing conversation surrounding mental health treatment and gender bias. In conclusion, Charlotte Perkins Gilman's 'The Yellow Wallpaper' stands as a powerful portrayal of the damaging effects of 19th-century patriarchal medical and social norms on women's mental health. The historical context in which the story is set is integral to understanding the themes and the protagonist's tragic descent into madness. The protagonist's obsession with the yellow wallpaper serves as a striking metaphor for the oppression faced by women in that era, as they were entrapped not only in domestic roles but in stifling gender expectations. The story continues to resonate with modern readers as it speaks to the ongoing struggles for women's autonomy, agency, and mental health. 'The Yellow Wallpaper' reminds us that, though societal norms have evolved, challenges related to gender roles, mental health, and the importance of having a voice are still very much present in our contemporary world. As we reflect upon the narrative, we should be compelled to address the enduring issues surrounding gender and mental health, advocating for a society where women's voices are heard, their experiences are validated, and their mental health is treated with the respect and care it deserves. 'The Yellow Wallpaper' remains a chilling testament to the darkness that can envelop those who are denied their autonomy and agency, and it serves as an everlasting call for change and compassion. Works cited Gilman, Charlotte Perkins. The Yellow Wallpaper. Renard Press, 2021.