The Yellow Wallpaper And Dubois Analysis

Gilman and Du Bois In the early 1900’s societies were strictly defined. Members within society regulated rules in regards to gender, social class, racial groups, and education. Socializing and integrated with members of society outside of your prescribed gender, social, and racial roles was not accepted in historical time periods. Members of society were expected to follow these roles and those whom deviated from them were punished, isolated, or frowned upon. During the early 1900’s author’s Charlotte Perkins Gilman and W.E.B. Du Bois wrote pieces in which went against societal standards. Their literature pieces addressed issues in which were progressive issues for their time. However, both their pieces of work have reflected major social …show more content…
During this historical time period post-partum was not taken seriously because doctors did not know enough information about the disease. Gilman describes throughout her story (the main character) a woman was locked in her room; a direct order from her husband/doctor. Being locked in the room was suppose “cure her state of mind.” She describes the room to the reader as giving her an uneasy feeling, in particular the yellow wallpaper. “The color is repellant, almost revolting; a smouldering unclean yellow strangely faded by the slow-turning sunlight.” As time progresses being locked in this room has caused for the women to begin to hallucinate and see figures within the wall paper. She begged her husband to redecorate or allow her to go to another room. However, he felt compelled to tell her no and she was getting better every day in the room she was in. She became so paranoid, she ripped the wall paper off the …show more content…
This work has made a significant impact on the sociology field today. However, during the time period it was not recognized due to the color of his skin. Bois describes through his essay two terms double consciousness and the veil. He uses the term double consciousness to illustrate the idea to the readers African Americans live with two identities which conflict with one another. Leaving them to feel as if they are living a double life. They feel as if they are living one identity being black and the other being the American identity. In regards to the American identity they believed they only existed to be slaves or to gain a profit. Bois notes, “He simply wishes to make it possible for a man to be both a Negro and an American without being cursed and spit upon by his fellows.” He also describes to the reader that although black individuals are able to understand the lives of other individuals it is difficult for white individuals to fully understand life as being black (known as the