Hysteria In The Yellow Wallpaper

Charlotte Perkings Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper” follows a Victorian woman’s descent into a madness perpetuated by her societal and marital oppression. The narrator, Jane, begins her writing following her arrival at a new home with her husband John. As the narrator describes the new home, she also gives glimpses of her treatment and her condition. From the start, the narrator describes a state of depression and hysteria, of which both her husband and her physician say would be better with rest. Prescribed the “Rest Cure,” the narrator is confined to bed throughout the day. As the story continues, the narrator falls further and further into hysteria. The character development following the plot is representative of the oppression women face. As the character is forced

As the narrator continues her writing, there is also evidence pointing towards a theme of self expression. The narrator describes how she enjoys the relief of writing, however she feels she has to hide it from those around her, as though her self expression is not allowed or at the very least frowned upon. The character develops to the point of full hysteria, losing her self control and sense of reality in order to discover her understanding of her state and position in the world. Setting plays a large hand in Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper.” Upon moving into the new home, the narrator gives detailed descriptions of her dwelling. While the home holds importance with descriptions of the garden and nicer rooms around, the story focuses on the striking effect of the room the characters settled in. With damaged plaster walls, a beaten up bed frame, and scratched up hardwood flooring, the narrator seems as disturbed by the room as she is infatuated by it. However, the decor that stands out the most is the