Feminist Analysis of “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
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Date
2023
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Publisher
UNIVERSITY OF ABBES LAGHROUR-KHENCHELA
Abstract
Abstract
During the nineteenth century, women faced extreme marginalization and discrimination in male-dominated societies, where literature served as a crucial tool for expressing their thoughts and desires at the time. This study analyzes Charlotte Perkins Gilman's fictional short story 'The Yellow Wallpaper' from a feminist perspective, aiming to explore its significant themes and shed light on the social issues related to women during the late nineteenth century in America. The study follows feminism methodology in analyzing portions of the story’s text by closely examining the portrayal of the characters, both male and female, the attitudes of the author, and the relationship between the characters. The story represents a woman’s mental deterioration and imprisonment under the control and authority of her husband, and the psychological treatment given to her depending on his false assumptions. It highlights the social issues related to women, and enlightens the reader about women’s mental conditions, and its treatment in America during the late nineteenth century. This dissertation examines the relationship between the sexes in male-dominated societies, and male’s negative way of thinking towards the role and status of women. And it reflects the gender stereotyping and the subordination of woman, and their position in patriarchal societies. This paper raises awareness about the danger of oppressing and ignoring women and tries to deliver the fact that people are equal no matter what their gender.