Symbolism in Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper"

In literature, many authors use the technique of using symbolism to help their point come across to the reader. Symbols are objects that take on more than their obvious meaning. Charlotte Perkins Gilman uses symbolism in many of her works. Her most famous symbolic story is “The Yellow Wallpaper.” Gilman experienced post part-um depression after her daughter Katherine was born. The treatment she was prescribed became the basis for this spectacular story. In “The Yellow …

…made the prison and she embraced it. Today, doctors have refined their treatment for post part-um depression. Many women experience it and overcome it with no complications. Human nature is strong and women are not alone when they go through this type of pain. Husbands and family help them through it in addition to what the doctors prescribe. People can’t escape post part-um depression but it doesn’t have to lead us into madness.