The Yellow Wallpaper is a short story written by Charlotte Perkins Gilman in 1892. It is a story of a woman who is suffering from postpartum depression and is prescribed by her physician husband to take rest in an old nursery room with yellow wallpaper. As the story progresses, the protagonist’s mental state deteriorates, and the yellow wallpaper becomes a symbol of her mental and emotional confinement. The story is rich with symbolism, and in this article, we will explore the various symbols hidden in the Yellow Wallpaper.
Table of Contents
The Yellow Wallpaper
The yellow wallpaper is the most apparent symbol in the story. The protagonist is confined to a room with yellow wallpaper, which she finds revolting. The wallpaper is described as having “sprawling flamboyant patterns committing every artistic sin.” The wallpaper becomes a symbol of the protagonist’s mental state as she is trapped within her own mind, just like how the wallpaper traps her in the room. The wallpaper’s pattern also represents the patriarchal society’s restrictions on women, where they are confined to rigid social norms and expectations.
The Nursery Room
The nursery room is another critical symbol in the story. It represents the protagonist’s confinement and isolation from the outside world. The room’s barred windows and the locked door further reinforce the idea that the protagonist is trapped within the room. Moreover, the room’s previous use as a nursery represents the societal expectation that women should be confined to domestic duties such as taking care of children.
The Protagonist’s Mental State
The protagonist’s mental state is another essential symbol in the story. Her gradual descent into madness represents the societal neglect of women’s mental health issues. The story was written in a time when women’s mental health was not given much importance, and women were often diagnosed with hysteria and treated with rest cures, as seen in the story. The protagonist’s mental state also represents the societal expectations of women to be subservient and meek.
The Creeping Woman
The creeping woman is a symbol of the protagonist’s suppressed desires and emotions. The protagonist sees a woman creeping behind the wallpaper, and she becomes obsessed with her. The creeping woman represents the protagonist’s desire to break free from societal constraints and expectations. The creeping woman is also a symbol of the protagonist’s repressed anger and frustration towards her husband and the patriarchal society.
The Color Yellow
The color yellow is a symbol of sickness and decay. The yellow wallpaper represents the protagonist’s deteriorating mental state, and the color yellow also represents the societal neglect of women’s mental health issues. The color yellow also represents cowardice, which can be interpreted as the protagonist’s husband’s lack of courage to confront his wife’s mental health issues.
The Moonlight
The moonlight is a symbol of hope and freedom. The protagonist sees a figure in the moonlight that gives her hope and represents freedom from her confinement. The moonlight can be interpreted as a symbol of the protagonist’s hidden strength and resilience.
Summary of Symbolism
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Yellow Wallpaper | Mental and emotional confinement, societal restrictions on women |
| Nursery Room | Confinement and isolation, societal expectations of women |
| Protagonist’s Mental State | Societal neglect of women’s mental health issues, societal expectations of women |
| Creeping Woman | Suppressed desires and emotions, frustration towards patriarchal society |
| Color Yellow | Sickness, decay, societal neglect of women’s mental health issues, cowardice |
| Moonlight | Hope, freedom, hidden strength and resilience |
In conclusion, The Yellow Wallpaper is a powerful story that uses symbolism to highlight the societal restrictions and neglect of women’s mental health issues. The yellow wallpaper, the nursery room, the protagonist’s mental state, the creeping woman, the color yellow, and the moonlight are all essential symbols that add layers of meaning to the story. The story continues to be relevant today, and it is a reminder of the struggles women have faced and continue to face in a patriarchal society.
