How Does Gilman Treat Women In The 19th Century

In the short story “ The Yellow Wall-paper”, Gilman used her personal experiences to show readers how society treated women in the 19th century. In “The Yellow Wall-Paper”, Gilman touched upon many embedded misconceptions and social flaws that were present in the 19th century, such as mental illness, patriarchy, and traditional gender roles.

In the 19th century, mental illness was not seen as a serious health issue and treatment for it was poor, and Gilman shows that in the story by having the narrator who is also the protagonist state that “ If a physician of high standing, and one's own husband, assures friends and relatives that there is really nothing the matter with one but temporary nervous depression— a slight hysterical tendency— what is one to do? My brother is also a physician, and also of high standing, and he says the same thing” ( Gilman 4). Gilman also touches upon how in the

Gilman shows the reader how women in the 19th century were dominated by males in their lives by constantly having the character John, who is the narrator's husband control every aspect of his wife's life including who she meets. An example of Johns control over his wife is how he doesn't let his wife do anything without him planning it beforehand. For example, “ He is very careful and loving, and hardly lets me stir without special direction. I have a schedule prescription for each hour in the day; he takes all care from me, and so I feel basely ungrateful not to value it more” (Gilman 7). Another example of how John controls his wife is by not letting her see family members or friends. For example “It is so discouraging not to have any advice and companionship about my work. When I get really well, John says we will ask Cousin Henry and Julia down for a long visit; but he says he would as soon put fireworks in my pillow-case as to let me have those stimulating people about now”( Gilman