Feminist Literary Criticism in "Girl" and "The Yellow Wallpaper"

Gender equality is a common theme used by writers to express their personal views on the role of women in society. This can be seen in works like "Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid and "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gillman, where both authors take a feminist approach to women's roles and status in their respective time periods. Feminism, which encompasses various social theories, moral philosophies, and political movements, is primarily concerned with the experiences of women in areas such as politics, society, and economics.

As a social movement, feminism aims to address gender inequality and advocate for women's rights and interests. Feminist literary criticism is influenced by feminist theory and the broader politics of feminism.

The history of feminist literary criticism is broad and inclusive. Writers like Kincaid and Gillman have utilized this analysis to investigate the perception and treatment of women in society. Before the 1970s, feminist literary criticism concentrated on women's authorship and their portrayal in literature, including fictional characters.

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A significant work in this field is "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte, which was published in 1847. The novel delves into the life of Jane Eyre, examining her emotions, experiences, and affection for Mr. Rochester. In addition to providing social commentary and a strong ethical foundation, it is celebrated for its exploration of individuality, class distinctions, sexuality, religion, and feminism.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte delves into Jane's moral and spiritual growth with poetic fervor, positioning Bronte as "the pioneer chronicler of the inner self" and impacting Jamaica Kincaid. Originally known as Elaine Potter Richardson, Kincaid was born in Antigua in 1949 but changed her name to pursue a career in writing, providing insights into her personal evolution.

The resistance Kincaid faced from her family regarding her aspirations mirrors the societal norms for women at that time, underscoring the continuous fight for women's empowerment during the 1970s.

"Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid explores the mother-daughter relationship through a Feminist lens, similar to Jane Eyre. The narrative demonstrates how cultural traditions and moral values are passed down from a Caribbean mother to her daughter, transforming usual maternal advice into protective directives. These guidelines lay the foundation for adulthood and prepare the girl for success in life. The mother's dedication to teaching proper behavior emphasizes their strong familial bond, as they spend quality time together reinforcing important values and rules.

The story "Girl" is written in the second person point of view, with the reader as the girl and the speaker (likely her mother) providing guidance on how a girl should behave. In a paper analyzing this story from a feminist perspective, Jeanette Martinez, an English Literature student at NYE, emphasizes that the language used degrades women, especially with the word "slut" being used to criticize a girl who does not conform to traditional standards. Kincaid's decision to include this term highlights a negative comparison that the mother fears her daughter may embody, revealing troubling implications for feminism. By using "slut" and its sexual connotations, Kincaid sheds light on society's perception of women as immoral if they engage in sexual activity.

This word divert attention from the true message and purpose of feminism which is equality between men and women. By reducing a woman to being immoral only based on sexual behavior, it diminishes respect for women as their morality is not considered. Martinez goes on to discuss how the tone and style of the text reflect Kincaid's social standpoint. According to Martinez, "The tone is assertive; we see a repetitive 'this is how' throughout the short story. The style of the short story is in lines, making each line a command. For instance: 'This is how you smile to someone you don't like too much; This is how you smile at someone you don't like at all;'

Kincaid's message on how to smile at someone you truly like is delivered in a tone that mirrors society's harsh directives, indicative of the prevalent voice attempting to control and impart wisdom. The concluding paragraph plays a crucial role in grasping the feminist undertones of the story, as Kincaid questions, "But what if the baker won't let me feel the bread? you mean to say that after all you are really going to be the kind of woman who the baker won't let near the bread?". This interaction serves as a commentary on society, with the mother challenging not just the girl's morals but also her inner strength. It is ironic how the mother imposes her habits and methods on the girl without considering her input in any decision.

Both Kincaid and Gilman explore societal expectations for women and girls. Kincaid questions the restricted autonomy given to women, emphasizing the value of individual experience over outside influence. Likewise, Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper" delves into feminist ideas and a woman's defiance against male-dominated norms. The story might be confusing without knowledge of Gilman's background, but it exposes the mistreatment of the main character by her unnamed husband as a commentary on how societal expectations negatively affect women during that time.

John's behavior, considered inappropriate and restrictive by late 20th-century standards, was regarded as normal in the 19th century. "The Yellow Wallpaper," written in a quasi-autobiographical style, displays Gilman's feminist agenda influenced by her personal experiences. Elaine Hedges' introduction from the Heath Anthology of American Literature sheds light on Gilman's unconventional life choices that defied societal norms. Despite encountering criticism during her era, Gilman skillfully utilized sentences and metaphors in "The Yellow Wallpaper" to depict vivid scenes of male oppression within a gothic setting reminiscent of a ghost story.

Both Charlotte Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper" and Jamaica Kincaid's "Girl" address feminist themes in literature, critiquing outdated practices and mistreatment of women. Gilman advocates for more equality in the future by highlighting oppressive practices that should be left behind, while Kincaid explores women's oppression within a male-dominated power structure. Both authors draw from their own experiences to emphasize the struggle for women's rights and critique societal shortcomings in providing equal opportunities for women.