The Yellow Wallpaper written by Charlotte Perkins Gilman in 1892 has become a classic in feminist literature, but it took nearly a century to be understood. In its own time it was appreciated as part of the genre of horror but then in the early 1970s, after reanalysis “The Yellow Wallpaper” was recognized as an early feminist condemnation of Victorian patriarchy. This story contains many typical gothic trappings, but beneath the conventional façade lies a tale of repression and freedom told in intricate symbolism as seen through the eyes of a mad narrator. Charlotte Perkins Gilman had no way of knowing that a story she wrote in 1892 would one day be regarded as a classic in feminist literature. The gothic tale of “The Yellow Wallpaper” has become just that, although it took nearly a century to find a truly understanding audience. Early readers were appreciative of the sheer horror of the tale, and, indeed, it still stands as a wonderful example of the genre. But it was not until the rediscovery of the story in the early 1970’s that “The Yellow Wallpaper” was recognized as an early feminist indictment of Victorian patriarchy. The author has used symbolism to tell the reader how the protagonist truly feels whereas the apparent impression of the text shows a conventional façade with many gothic trappings seen through the eyes of a mad narrator. Throughout time it has been established that men and women have different experiences and see things differently; therefore, even in writing they choose …show more content…
“You see he does not believe I am sick!” And what can one do? Clearly the narrator has been brainwashed by the society to such an extent that even in the matter of her own well-being she considers herself to be power-less. She has no fight in her, she feels whatever John says is correct and her feelings are not necessary to be