In The Yellow Wallpaper, the protagonist’s illness symbolizes the oppressive nature of the patriarchal society and the lack of autonomy women experienced during the late 19th century. The story, written by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, uses the narrator’s mental deterioration to critique the medical practices and societal norms of the time.
The narrator’s illness is initially described as a “temporary nervous depression” by her husband, John, who is also her physician. He prescribes the “rest cure,” a common treatment for women at the time, which involves complete rest and isolation. This treatment, however, exacerbates her condition rather than improving it.
As the story progresses, the yellow wallpaper in the room where she is confined becomes a focal point of her obsession. The wallpaper symbolizes the societal constraints placed on women. The narrator sees a woman trapped behind the wallpaper, struggling to break free, which mirrors her own struggle against the confines of her marriage and societal expectations.
Her illness, therefore, is not just a personal affliction but a representation of the broader issues faced by women. It highlights the lack of understanding and empathy towards women’s mental health and the detrimental effects of enforced passivity and lack of intellectual stimulation.
In conclusion, the illness in The Yellow Wallpaper symbolizes the broader societal oppression of women, the inadequacies of the medical treatment of the time, and the psychological toll of being denied autonomy and self-expression.