The Yellow Wallpaper Analysis

Name:
Instructor:
Course:
Date:
The Yellow Wallpaper Analysis
Description
In “Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, the speaker or persona of the story is a mentally troubled woman, named Jane, who was the wife of a young and notable medical doctor. She narrates about her battle with post-partum depression, which her doctor described as a nervous condition, and how she was subsequently banished to a countryside house where she gets “phosphate or phosphites-whichever it is- and tonics, and air and exercise, and journeys, and am absolutely forbidden to “work” until I am well again” (Gilman 224).
Theme
The mental constraints that are placed on Jane, even more than the physical ones, are the main factors that drive her insane. She has been forced to hide the anxieties and fears that she experiences so as to reserve the façade of a great marriage, and to construct a perception that she is endearing against her depression. From the onset, one of the most unbearable facets of her treatment is the enforced silence and joblessness that she is subjected to as a method of “resting cure.” However, she feels that working would benefit her when she says that “Personally, I believe that congenial work, with excitement and change, would do me good” (Gilman 224). She hates everything about the surrounding she is kept in, but she tries to abide by her husband’s and doctor’s instructions so that to make them happy. She points out that her husband loves her and never wants to see her sick, but throughout, he does not allow her to make decisions for her own sake.

Idea
Jane: We need to talk. I am flattered by your high concern about my condition, but…..
John: No problem. I sincerely think that you need to follow the doctor’s orders so that you can recover fully.
Jane: Well, but it seems a little bit annoying and tedious to stay the entire time indoors without doing anything.
John: I think you are just being paranoid. Don’t you enjoy the ambiance of this environment and the peace that exists in this house? You need to take advantage of such a peaceful setting to heal.
Jane: “Ambiance” which form of peaceful environment? You seem more concerned about the doctor’s instructions compared to how I feel about the entire situation and the environment that I am in. It is boring to just sit idle in this horrible house.
John: So did you expect me to let you continue being in that depression state forever? Excuse me, I am a physician, and I expect my patients to adhere to the recommended treatment instructions I provide. All I want for u as your husband and also as a physician is for you to regain your good mental state.
Jane: That’s just great. But it would be much better if I was granted an opportunity to make some decisions that I believe they can help me feel better.

Work Cited
Gilman, Charlotte Perkins. The yellow wallpaper. Penguin UK, 2015.