Charlotte Perkins Gilmans The Yellow Wallpaper is a Feminist Work of Literature that Depicts the Struggle of Women Searching for a Sense of Self and a Freedom from the Domestic Roles Society Assigned them. How Far Do You Agree with this Statement?

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According the Marina Banks: “Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s ‘The Yellow Wallpaper’ is a Feminist Work of Literature that Depicts the Struggle of Women Searching for a Sense of Self and a Freedom from the Domestic Roles Society Assigned them.” How Far Do You Agree with this Statement?

It is thought that Charlotte Perkins Gilman presents her own thoughts through her female protagonist’s diary entries, thus implying the text is intended as a feminist piece of literature. Although there are some other contradictory view points to this statement arguing that there is a deeper message written within the text.

Firstly, it is perceived that the female protagonist in ‘The Yellow Wallpaper’ is in fact Gilman’s own opinions. As Gilman herself went on the same journey of that of the main characters, previously stating that she obeyed medical directions ‘for some three months and came so near the border of utter mental ruin that I could see over’ thus implying the inspiration for this piece of literature was in fact Gilman’s own journey, indicating any opinions stated within the text have derived from her personal journey. Throughout the nineteenth century women were perceived to be the weaker sex compared to males, and this statement is furthermore highlighted by the central character’s continuous acceptance to how she is poorly treated by John. This is shown through the repeated phrase: ‘of course’ when she states how she anticipates to be treated. This is especially evident when she states ‘John laughs’ at her, admitting she ‘expects that in marriage’ emphasising the little power women had in a domestic environment. By the end of the text there can be hints of sarcasm shown by the protagonist which shows the mentally degrading state in which she is finding herself.

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Secondly, the structure of the text is also written via diary entries, this specific structure allows for a closer connection to be made with readers especially that of female readers as diary entries shows the inner most thoughts of the main character. This specific structure also suggests the women who lived in the late nineteenth century, the era in which this text was written, had no free will to express themselves. This statement is furthermore emphasised by the diary entries continuously coming to an abrupt end due to John’s arrival, again highlighting the extent of male dominance over women as ...

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