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Symbolism In Charlotte Gilman's The Yellow Wallpaper

723 Words3 Pages

“Personally, I believe that congenial work, with excitement and change, would do me good,” (Gilman, “The Yellow Wallpaper” 779). In “The Yellow Wallpaper,” Charlotte Gilman writes of her lasting nervous breakdown, forcing confinement upon her inside of a nursery surrounded by a mysterious, twisting, and seemingly glooming yellow wallpaper. During this period of isolation, Gilman’s husband, John, forbids her to work and write. However, Gilman opposes this rule, ultimately realizing that her love and practice of writing aids in fighting her illness. “The Yellow Wallpaper” reinforces the theme of staying true to oneself despite the weight of society through its use of the setting, symbolism, and conflict. The setting of “The Yellow Wallpaper” adds to the isolated tone within the story. The house is described as alone, away from the road. There are many gates and locks, and separate small …show more content…

These many patterns symbolize the complexity of societal norms and how they can often trap a person, restricting freedom. Examples of Gilman being forced to submit into gender roles include the restraining of her intelligence through writing and the inability to visit or receive visitors. As Gilman goes against her husband and continues to write, she detects that the woman is attempting to shake her way free from behind bars. The more Gilman writes, the clearer the image of the woman’s struggle is seen. The idealization of the woman being set free in the end of the journal, along with Gilman opposing the rules of her husband and doing what she believes is best, is made to allow women to “remake themselves in men’s image, adopting the masculine ideals of rationality, career, and success,” (King and Morris

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