“The Yellow Wallpaper” written by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is a firsthand account of a woman’s descent into insanity The woman narrates the story in first person giving the reader insight into her thoughts. In the story she suffers from post-partum depression, and is supposed to refrain from any type of physical activity. She is also not supposed to exercise her mind in any way, or have any creative outlet. The story reflects upon Gilman’s battle with depression and the oppression she received from her husband. The absence of a name for the protagonist is an indication of male dominance, and women’s power struggle in the late 1800‘s The lack of a creative outlet can lead to depression and insanity.
The first person narrative in “The Yellow Wallpaper” gives the woman credibility. The fact that Gilman is writing the story and having the same type of experiences as the protagonist makes it seem very real. The reader gets a first hand account of what goes on in her mind She seems to understand that being left alone all the time is not a very effective Cure: “I am alone a good deal just now”. Although as the story progresses the narrator loses her credibility as she becomes increasingly insane. The protagonist seems to believe that she is getting over her depression, yet the exact opposite is happening: “Life is very much more exciting now than it used to be.
You see have something more to expect, to look forward to, to watch I really do eat better, and am more quiet than I was.” Marriage in the late 1800’s was usually very oppressive, women were expected to stay home and be caretakers. Their opinions were not taken into consideration, and they never really made any decisions, The protagonist in the story seems to unintentionally blame John her husband for her depression:“ I tried to have a real earnest reasonable talk with him the other day, and tell him how 1 wish he would let me go and make a visit to Cousin Henry and Julia. But he said I wasn’t able to go. By blaming John, Gilman seems to be blaming her husband even though he was very kind to hert Marriages in the 1800’s were not always based on love; sometimes spouses just tolerated each other. Although, John in “The Yellow Wallpaper” seemed to love his wife, and really thought his treatment was the best for herr.
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In conclusion, “The Yellow Wallpaper” is a powerful depiction of a woman’s descent into insanity, driven by the oppressive societal norms and the absence of a creative outlet. Through the absence of a name for the protagonist, the first-person narrative, and the portrayal of marriage, Charlotte Perkins Gilman explores the themes of female oppression and the detrimental effects of denying women autonomy and creative expression. The story serves as a critique of the power dynamics in the late 1800s and sheds light on the importance of individuality and mental well-being in the face of societal constraints.
