In the story, Gilman writes of a lady, named Jane, who is suffering from postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a type of depression most common in women who have very recently given birth. The mood disorder is considered to be very severe and long-lasting; and is …show more content…
The isolated house along with the cell-like room Jane is confined to, all represent the prison of mind society places on women at the time. The bars placed on the window represent the entrapment of ideas. The room jane resides in was once used as a nursery. Gilman’s reason for this idea, is to symbolize the role women played in society. Jane is treated as a child. It is seen by society, that her being a women means that she cannot make decisions on her own; It was believed she must be led by a man. When her writing is halted by the male presence, it represents society attempting to limit her ability to think on her own and have her own opinions. Her creation of a gothic setting represent her own thoughts on oppression. She believes the way women are treated should be seen as