The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

The introduction Some basic points of the story The basic aim of the story written by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is to reflect the oppression of women in the 19th century. Generally, while discussing the major themes of the story, it is necessary to analyze some symbolical issues, the author provides us with. Moreover, it should be pointed out that The Yellow Wallpaper gives us an opportunity to consider one of the most important problems women faced in the 19th century in detail.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The thesis statement When reading the story, it becomes evident that Gilman was deeply concerned about the role of women as well as psychological pressure they experienced. For this reason, one can make a conclusion that Gilman’s short story is to be analyzed on the basis of symbolical interpretations the author wanted her readers to become familiar with. The body The house in The Yellow Wallpaper and its symbolical interpretation In my opinion, nobody will deny the fact that the protagonist’s oppression in The Yellow Wallpaper is depicted symbolically. For instance, one can notice that Gilman uses such complex symbols as the parts of the house, in order to reflect the psychological state of the main character. Thus, on the one hand, the house the main character lives in can be associated with a desire to become free; however, on the other hand, it is evident that the protagonist cannot avoid a cruel reality. If one analyzes the short story deeper, he or she can probably conclude that the house reflects the process of transformation a woman experiences. In other words, the house can be regarded as the so-called symbol of self-expression. However, the protagonist’s phrase, which cannot be neglected, is â€Å"There is something strange about the house† (Gilman p. 1). Taking into account the woman’s worldview, it becomes evident that the principal character cannot feel safe, as she is afraid of changes. The adjective strange is related not to the house, but to the protagonist’s expectations and hopes. The author shows that a woman’s metamorphosis is unavoidable; however, being under constant oppressions too long, the main character cannot accept changes she experiences so fast. The window as the protagonist’s reflection The window the author depicts in her story is also of particular importance, as this symbol can be also regarded ambiguously. On the one hand, the window seems to express a woman’s potential; however, taking into consideration the fact that a woman is afraid of looking through it, one can probably conclude that the window is the protagonist’s reflection. The main character does not want to accept her true personality, as she understands what a miserable creature she can see. For her, an opportunity t o look through the window is accepted as a real torture, because there†¦she can see other women, who are the same, who must creep, in order to stay a part of the society. Hochman is of the opinion that â€Å"Gilman’s nameless protagonist enters an action-filled world that she creates by inference from a printed design. As a result, her depression and despair are temporarily dispelled† (par. 5).Advertising Looking for essay on american literature? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The yellow wallpaper as a symbol of generalization Finally, the yellow wallpaper should be regarded as a symbol of hope. Looking at the color, the protagonist feels safe. At the same time, the main character understands that the image in the wallpaper is considered to be a reflection of unhappy women who must creep, in order to be a part of society. The conclusion According to Gretehen Lynn Greene, â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper is just one of many stories that Gilman wrote that dealt with women trying to attain their freedom from something or someone† (par. 5). For this reason, one can conclude that the author depicted the burning problem of the 19th century. Works Cited Gilman, Charlotte. The Yellow Wallpaper, Small Maynard, Boston: MA, 1899. Print. Greene, Gretehen. â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper†, n. d. Web. Hochman, Barbara. The Reading Habit and The Yellow Wallpaper, 2002. Web. This essay on The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman was written and submitted by user Joel K. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.