The Yellow Wallpaper: A Feminist Analysis

Imagine living in the 19th century as a woman. Today in the 21st century most woman can live an independent life. However, in the 1800s women were not allowed the freedom that they deserved as a human being. They were controlled by the males of the society. Men had the most respective jobs, whereas, females stayed at home taking care of their husband and children. Sometimes these ignorant behavior of the society towards the women had an ill impact in their psychology. Although, most women were dominated by the males, however, there were some who raised their voice against the injustice. Amongst them was Charlotte Perkin Gilman, who is known as a feminist writer. She wrote “The Yellow Wallpaper,” where Gilman writes about her personal experience …show more content…
Although, the treatment was meant for both male and female, however, “…women were prescribed more often” (“Science Museum” 1). In this cure the patients are isolated from relatives and friends, they are ensured to have bed rest, and they are feed “milk-based food,” sometimes against their will (“Science Museum” 2). Gilman received the treatment and she was told to take care of her family and child and was forbidden to write (Oakley 31). The writer raised her voice in contradiction of the treatment method and argued that the rest cure supports women should stay dominated by the “male authority” for the sake of their well-being (Science Museum 3). The narrator is against the “rest cure” however she is unable to go against her husband (Bruccoli3). She is forbidden to do any work especially writing, which she likes to do. Because of her “rest cure” the narrator is isolated from the outside world so she is “obsessed” with the yellow wallpaper and believe that a woman is trapped in the patterns of the paper (Oakley 31). It is an irony that the husband thought his treatment will cure the wife but ultimately she becomes