Yellow Wallpaper

Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s story, “The Yellow Wallpaper,” explores the restricted societal roles of both Jane and John. Gilman, a strong supporter of women’s rights, focuses on her account with depression through this story (Hill 150). Traditionally, the man must take care of the woman both financially and emotionally while the woman’s role remains at home. Society tends to trap man and woman and prevent them from developing emotionally and intellectually. Although Gilman focuses …

…given the opportunity to exhibit her maternal or intellectual instincts because John and the rest of society feel that it would be absurd. On the other hand, John is taken seriously by society because he is a man with authority; however, his femininity still is restricted by societal gender roles. Ultimately, for a true sense of fulfillment to be reached, society must accept the roles of its’ components, and halt the repression of the psyche.