Charlotte Perkins Gilman's 'Gender Roles In The Yellow Wallpaper'

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“The Yellow Wallpaper,” a short story of a women’s deterioration into mental illness, is Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s opinion on the domination of males in the medical environment, and the patriarchal formation of the household in the nineteenth century. Gilman is informing the reader of the consequences of a society dominated by males on fixed gender roles. The man is the authoritative and working figure, while the women is confined to her household duties and to obey the authority of her husband. This story is a depiction of the narrator who is constrained to her gender roles, and develops a worsened illness because of it.
The first sentence of “The Yellow Wallpaper” gives insight to the setting of the story and traits of the narrator. It …show more content…

It becomes obvious that the physician is unaware of the mind of women, and believes the best form of treatment for his wife is confinement and rest. The narrator states, “If a physician of high standing, and one’s own husband, assures friends and relatives that there is really nothing the matter with one but temporary nervous depression—a slight hysterical tendency—what is one to do?” (Gilman, 3). Further support can be proved when viewing “The Yellow Wallpaper” in historical context. Pouba and Tianen illustrate how many of the medical theories and practices of the nineteenth century often misunderstood the female psyche. Physicians often misdiagnosed and placed women in mental institutions for questionable reasons such as nervousness, suppressed menustruation and religious excitement. Women had minimal rights during this time period, even regarding their own mental state …show more content…

Gilman clearly emphasizes that John’s arrogant and paternal demeanor toward his wife is not relevant to her illness. He often disregards her opinions and criticizes her creative desires. For example, the narrator states, “I don’t like our room a bit … but John would not hear of it” (Gilman, 5). He treats her as he would treat a child, saying to her, “What is it, little girl?” (Gilman, 11) and speaking of her, “Bless her little heart!” (Gilman, 12). Since he is a physician, he overrules her suggestions on the best course of treatment for her illness, like he does on any situation, forcing her to live in a house she opposes, stay in a room she despises and in confinement, making her feel depressed and

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