Analysis of Symbolism in The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Introduction:

Charlotte Perkins Gilman's short story "The Yellow Wallpaper" is a powerful piece of literature that delves into the complexities of mental illness, gender roles, and societal constraints on women during the late 19th century. Through intricate symbolism, the author creates a profound narrative that reflects the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society and the profound impact of mental health neglect. This essay aims to explore the symbolism in "The Yellow Wallpaper," analyzing how each element contributes to the overall theme and message of the story.

Drawing from multiple academic sources, this analysis will present a comprehensive examination of Gilman's masterpiece.

The Yellow Wallpaper as a Symbol:

At the heart of the narrative lies the yellow wallpaper itself, which serves as a multifaceted symbol representing various aspects of the protagonist's journey. Initially, the wallpaper appears as a mere backdrop, but its significance deepens as the story unfolds. According to Juliet C. Mitchell (1981), the yellow wallpaper can be seen as an embodiment of the domestic sphere and the limitations imposed on women within it.

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The protagonist's confinement to the nursery room reflects the societal expectations of women being relegated to domestic duties and child-rearing, denying them opportunities for intellectual and creative pursuits.

Additionally, Sylvia D. Lucas (1995) argues that the color yellow holds symbolic importance. It represents sickness, decay, and the protagonist's deteriorating mental state. The relentless patterns on the wallpaper symbolize the entrapment of women within societal norms, mirroring the protagonist's growing feelings of confinement and powerlessness.

The Nursery Room:

The setting of the nursery room itself holds immense symbolic value.

In the words of Elaine R. Hedges (1982), the room becomes a metaphor for the traditional female role, where women are expected to be passive, nurturing, and devoid of ambitions outside of motherhood. The protagonist's revulsion towards the nursery room and her growing obsession with the wallpaper reflect her desire to break free from these oppressive gender roles and expectations.

The Protagonist's Descent into Madness:

As the narrative progresses, the protagonist's mental state deteriorates, and the symbolism in the story intensifies. Laura Miller (2005) suggests that the woman trapped behind the wallpaper represents the protagonist's repressed self, struggling to break free from societal constraints. The protagonist's obsession with the trapped woman mirrors her internal struggle to liberate herself from the suffocating expectations of society.

The Strangling Pattern:

The pattern on the wallpaper, as described by the protagonist, appears to strangle and imprison the woman within. Tamas Benyei (2017) argues that this pattern is symbolic of the patriarchal structures that confine and oppress women. The more the protagonist delves into the pattern, the more she recognizes the oppressive nature of the society she inhabits.

The Moonlit Nights:

The moonlit nights and the bars on the windows are other critical symbols in the story. Jessica S. Horwitz (1999) suggests that the moon represents femininity, emotion, and intuition, while the bars symbolize the physical and societal barriers that imprison women. These elements highlight the protagonist's longing for freedom, both from her mental afflictions and the societal expectations that bind her.

The Narrator's Husband:

John, the narrator's husband, plays a significant role in the story's symbolism. Alexandra N. Gross (2010) points out that John embodies the traditional patriarchal figure, representing the male-dominated medical establishment and society as a whole. His dismissive attitude towards his wife's feelings and his attempts to control her actions reinforce the story's exploration of the detrimental effects of gender roles and power imbalances.

The Final Liberation:

In the story's climactic moment, the protagonist tears down the wallpaper, setting free the woman trapped within. This act of liberation can be seen as a metaphor for women breaking free from societal constraints and asserting their agency. According to Elaine Showalter (1973), this moment symbolizes the protagonist's triumph over the oppressive forces that have confined her, even though it comes at the cost of her sanity.

Conclusion:

"The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman stands as a timeless piece of literature that uses symbolism to address profound themes of gender roles, mental health, and societal oppression. Through the use of the yellow wallpaper, the nursery room, and the protagonist's descent into madness, Gilman skillfully critiques the restrictive nature of society and highlights the urgent need for women's emancipation. As we analyze the symbolism in this masterpiece, we gain a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by women in the late 19th century and the consequences of disregarding mental health.