Metaphors of Feminism in 'The Yellow Wallpaper'

Emerging Feminism in The Yellow Wallpaper

The Yellow Wallpaper, by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, is about a

woman who is suffering from temporary nervous depression. Her husband, a

doctor, has taken her to a summer vacation home for rest therapy;

however, the woman's condition worsens and she sees images of faces in

the wallpaper of her room. She believes the images are of women creeping

behind the paper and she cannot help but to fixate on them. She tries to

tell her husband without successful and with time sees the images more

and more frequently. In the end, she locks herself in her room and tears

off the wallpaper. The story is a depiction of the plight of women's

suffrage and the beginning of the rise of feminism, as well as a

reflection of the author's own life and experiences.

The most apparent representation is the pattern on the wallpaper

and the images of women creeping behind the wallpaper. "At night in any

kind of light,...it becomes bars!...and the woman behind it is as plain

as can be,... By daylight she is subdued, quiet. I fancy it is the

pattern that keeps her so still" (1578). The bars are symbolic of the

division of men and women and how the women are being held back. Because

there is visibility in the daytime, the quietness during daylight is

representative of feminism's fear of being discovered. Gilman's use of

the word "creeping" is symbolic of the rise of feminism. The

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines creeping as, "developing or advancing

by imperceptible degrees." The images in the wall creep around at night,

showing how the beginnings of feminism came about because it was not done

visibly.

As well, Gilman presents the behavior of society of the time.

Throughout the story, the woman states her intentions, but then does not

act upon them because of her husband, and says, "what is one to do," as

if she does not have any power or authority to do what she believes is

best for her. This is further shown when she speaks of her husband and

her brother, who "is also of high standing," showing the high ranking of

men in society. Jane is the representation of a typical woman, "She is a

perfect and enthusiastic housekeeper, and hopes for no better

profession!" (1574). The oppression of women is shown when the woman

tries to tell her husband how she feels, but he quickly hushes her and

assures her that his prescription of rest is all that she needs. In the

conclusion of the story when she tears off the wallpaper and says, "'I've

got out at last,' said I, 'in spite of you and Jane? And I've pulled off

most of the paper, so you can't put me back!'" (1582) Gilman is showing

the discovery of feminism by society. Her husband and Jane were symbolic

of society and when the wallpaper is down and the images are out,

feminism is also out.