The Yellow Wallpaper

In The Yellow Wallpaper, we see Perkins Gilman writing to affect change in, arguably, several different ways. The short story illustrates references to women's rights, gender roles, and post partum depression. She obviously thinks that there is an increased need for women's rights in the twentieth century just from the symbolism the text uses. On page 364, the narrator says, "I pulled and she shook, and I shook and she pulled, and before morning we had peeled off yards of that paper." In this scene the narrator is trying to free the woman from the wallpaper, which I took to symbolize the barrier that was holding women back from being prominent and valuable members of society. So in this instance, Perkins Gilman is promoting a change in society for women's rights. She further advocates change in gender roles throughout the text when referring to her husband, John. On page 356 it says, "I have a schedule prescription for each hour in the day; he takes all care from me, and so I feel basely ungrateful not to value it more." The author is plainly stating the fact that this woman feels worthless because her husband is controlling all aspects of her life-even by telling her what to do each hour of the day. Women were understood to be emotional, weak, and molded, while men controlling, manipulative, and smarter humans. And finally there is a hinting of post-partum depression that lingers in the story, from the beginning when she is talking about her baby, whom she isn't allowed to see as per her "treatment". " Such a dear baby...And yet I cannot be with him, it makes me so nervous." (page 357). The woman clearly has severe issues and depression following the birth of their child, which others around her viewed as an imaginary illness so they almost mocked her by treating her as if she was ill. And it was the treatment that drove her mad, I would go crazy too if I was isolated for weeks at a time!

There are definitely other texts we have read that have subtly encouraged a change in society, the most memorable for me being A Whisper in the Dark. In that story, Sybil is sent to a mental institute, all because men assume her illness if insanity. When really the only thing that drove her insane was the treatment. On page 238 it says, "Your uncle sent you. The doctor has the care of you and that's all I know about it." Yet again, men and physicians are controlling women into thinking that there is something wrong with them, when really, it is the men and the doctors that need help.