Symbols of Suppression

Reflecting their role in society, women in the Victorian era are often portrayed in a position that is dominated by men. In the nineteenth century women were controlled and maintain by their spouses and other influential men. In “The Yellow Wall-Paper” the protagonist represents the effect of the oppression of women in the Victorian Society. Using complex symbols like the house, windows, and wallpaper creates this effect, which are used to show her oppression in …

…society. These complex symbols used in “The Yellow Wall-Paper” create Gilman’s portrayal of the oppression of women in the nineteenth century. Her twist on traditional symbols that usually provide a sense of security and safety adds to this woman’s own oppression, and contributes to the trapped feelings. Gilman pushes this to the limit by taking those characteristics closely associated with women and using them against the narrator, to assist in her own oppression.