‘The Yellow Wallpaper’ by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is a profound exploration of mental illness and societal oppression, illustrated through various conflicts.
One of the primary conflicts in the story is the internal struggle of the narrator, who grapples with her mental health. Confined to a room with disturbing yellow wallpaper under the guise of a ‘rest cure,’ she slowly descends into paranoia and obsession. This internal conflict showcases her fight against the constraints imposed on her by her husband and society at large.
Another significant conflict is the relationship between the narrator and her husband, John. He embodies the patriarchal authority of the time, dismissing her feelings and restricting her freedom. This power struggle highlights the broader societal conflict between men and women, particularly regarding mental health and autonomy.
Lastly, there is a symbolic conflict represented by the yellow wallpaper itself. As the story progresses, the wallpaper becomes a representation of both confinement and a quest for identity. The narrator’s obsession with the wallpaper reflects her struggle against the roles and expectations placed upon her as a woman.
In summary, the conflicts in ‘The Yellow Wallpaper’—internal versus external, individual versus societal, and the symbolic nature of the wallpaper—combine to illustrate the devastating effects of oppression and the longing for self-expression.