Quite similarly, “The Yellow Wallpaper” contains abominable descriptions, but the eye of the beholder is twisted in thought. The woman has serious mental problems, and that is why the things she sees and later writes about are not as they truly are. A seemingly beautiful countryside cottage in the English hills is much less than what it is told to be. In fact, it is really a mental hospital and she is being held for treatment. The woman is slowly losing her mind, and she is unable to comprehend her present condition or location. This way that the author presents of her surroundings hints toward a story of overcoming and endurance of mind. She is placed in a horrible situation of losing her mind and freedom, and since this piece of literature is feminist, one may gather that she will endure and come out on top.
Hemmingway begins the early chapters with a symbol that is used over and over in his novel. The plains and lowland area are where battle and sin occur, therefore representing evil. The priest, on the other hand, who resides in the mountains, represents good. This metaphor of bad in low places and good in high is a direct symbolism of heaven and hell. The main theme of the book, which is that of good against evil, love against hate, is presented here.
The woman in “The Yellow Wallpaper” symbolizes the position of women in society. This “trapped in” room is symbolic of the small, insignificant roles into which women are forced. The woman begins to creep about her room, but only by night, because a real lady would not rebel during the day. The author writes that no one woman would have the courage to “creep”, or change society, by herself and in front of others. Because the author tells the reader that no one woman would have this courage, one may understand why the woman creeps only by night. As a closer look is taken at this woman’s thoughts on her lodging, and she had written that she feels as if someone was trapped in the walls, while it is only her reflection. This reflective glance of herself is a symbol of the struggle of her attempt to break free of her social bondage.
Both of these stories have a theme of good against evil, while it may not be necessarily considered that men ruling women is evil. It is, however, a handicap in society when part of its people can’t contribute. The young Lieutenant Henry realizes that his pleasures once sought are shallow and not worthy of a lifetime of unfulfilled dreams. Both of our protagonists realize that there is a better way, and change is a tough, but worthwhile process that evolves a person into so much more emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually. The woman and young Frederick begin to live their lives for a higher purpose, and seek higher and higher goals. The woman continues to creep, and has just overcome society. Frederick begins to live his life free from other’s opinions of him, and he seeks something higher than sexual and alcoholic pleasures. These two survivors of society both lose part of themselves to gain so much more. The woman, in spite of losing her mind, gained a symbolic victory for women, and Henry, although losing his love, begins a new life with value and dignity. These victories go to show a reader that, no matter how difficult the task, one can overcome with hard work and dedication. The woman never stopped creeping, even when confronted, and Frederick started clean after his wife passed away and he discovered a better standard of life.
