“The Yellow Wall-Paper” Literature & Language Essay

The Yellow Wallpaper
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Upon initially reading the story, it would seem that its central theme revolves around the psychological capacities of the narrator. This is because a significant part of it focuses on her reflection of her thoughts and ideas, as a form of escape from a controlling husband. However, a critical analysis of the whole story, and the context of when it was written, it could be seen that this reflects the ‘traditional gender gap’ that was prevalent during those times. It is commonly known that gender equality has only been achieved lately. Before then women have a relegated status and were expected to be docile and meek, not only in their actions but also of their ideas and emotions. This is exemplified with the narrator’s description of her husband as “controlling” and “patronizing” (Gilman, 1999). Aside from this, it could be seen that the narrator has mentioned the wallpaper as somehow resembling the bars of a cage. Consequentl...