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Analysis Of Charlotte Perkins Gilman's The Yellow Wallpaper

Decent Essays

“The Yellow Wallpaper” (published in 1892) is a short story written by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. Narrated by a woman through her descent into madness, the protagonist is perceived to be suffering from a “temporary nervous depression — a slight hysterical tendency” and is being misdiagnosed with the rest cure treatment (par. 10). Although not as well-known as other literary works, one believes that “The Yellow Wallpaper” is considered an American classic for its remarkable plot and in-depth analysis that instill a strong personal reaction. Written as a journal, “The Yellow Wallpaper” introduces a young married couple who is moving into a colonial mansion for the summer (par. 1). Upon first viewing the house, the wife (i.e., the narrator) takes note of its strangeness, questioning its low-cost and untenanted state (par. 4). The narrator’s husband/doctor John responds to her argument by mocking it and blames her “temporary nervous …show more content…

For example, it illustrates gender inequality between a man and a woman during the 19th century. The story reveals that this gender division prevents women from becoming independent and self-sustaining. This is shown by John’s excessive control in his wife’s life and treatment. His assumption of his own superior wisdom and maturity leads him to believe he is curing his wife, when in reality he patronizes her. As a result, the narrator is perceived to act like a mischievous child, unable to make decisions for herself without seeming irrational or disloyal. Another major theme presented in the story is the effect of the resting cure. As someone who was badly affected by this treatment, Gilman wrote “The Yellow Wallpaper” to expose the truth of this ineffective and degrading treatment. In fact, “The Yellow Wallpaper” illustrates the way an unstable mind can deteriorate and lose touch with reality when it is forced into

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