The Limited Role of Women in Marriage

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 34 views

The Subtle yet Powerful Portrayal of Women's Roles in Marriage during the 19th Century: Unveiling the Theme in "The Yellow Wallpaper"

Charlotte Perkins Gilman's short story, "The Yellow Wallpaper," is a thought-provoking and haunting tale that delves into the lives of women during the 19th century. One of the most significant themes that emerge from this narrative is the limited role women played in marriage during this era. In this article, we will explore this theme and examine the line from the story that best supports it.

The Limited Role of Women in Marriage

During the 19th century, women were expected to conform to societal norms and expectations. They were often relegated to domestic duties, such as managing the household and caring for children, while their husbands pursued careers and made important decisions. This patriarchal society viewed women as inferior to men and denied them the right to participate in decision-making processes.

The Theme of Limited Roles in Marriage

In "The Yellow Wallpaper," the protagonist, an unnamed woman, is confined to a room by her husband, John, who believes she is suffering from a nervous disorder. The woman is not allowed to write or express her thoughts and feelings, further emphasizing the limited role women played in marriage during this era. The line that best supports this theme is:

A. And I know John would think it absurd. But I MUST say what I feel and think in some way

This line highlights the woman's frustration and desperation to express herself, which is a common theme throughout the story. The use of the word "absurd" suggests that John's views on women's roles are outdated and restrictive, while the woman's desire to express herself is a fundamental human need.

The Significance of the Line

The line "And I know John would think it absurd. But I MUST say what I feel and think in some way" is significant because it:

Highlights the woman's desire for autonomy: The woman's need to express herself is a fundamental human need, and her desire for autonomy is a key aspect of this theme.
Emphasizes the patriarchal society: The line suggests that John's views on women's roles are restrictive and outdated, further emphasizing the patriarchal society of the 19th century.
Portrays the woman's frustration: The woman's frustration and desperation to express herself are palpable in this line, highlighting the limited role women played in marriage during this era.

The Impact of the Theme

The theme of limited roles in marriage has a significant impact on the reader. It:

Raises awareness about the patriarchal society: The theme raises awareness about the patriarchal society of the 19th century and the limited roles women played in marriage.
Highlights the importance of autonomy: The theme emphasizes the importance of autonomy and the need for women to express themselves.
Portrays the struggles of women: The theme portrays the struggles of women during this era and highlights the need for change.

In conclusion, the line "And I know John would think it absurd. But I MUST say what I feel and think in some way" is a powerful portrayal of the limited role women played in marriage during the 19th century. This theme is a significant aspect of "The Yellow Wallpaper" and highlights the importance of autonomy and the need for women to express themselves. The impact of this theme is significant, raising awareness about the patriarchal society of the 19th century and highlighting the struggles of women during this era.

The Significance of "The Yellow Wallpaper"

"The Yellow Wallpaper" is a significant work of literature that continues to resonate with readers today. The theme of limited roles in marriage is a powerful aspect of this narrative, and the line "And I know John would think it absurd. But I MUST say what I feel and think in some way" is a poignant portrayal of this theme.

The Legacy of "The Yellow Wallpaper"

The legacy of "The Yellow Wallpaper" is significant, and the theme of limited roles in marriage continues to be relevant today. The story has been adapted into numerous forms of media, including films, plays, and television shows, and continues to be studied in literature classes around the world.

The Impact of the Theme on Modern Society

The theme of limited roles in marriage has a significant impact on modern society. It:

Raises awareness about the importance of autonomy: The theme raises awareness about the importance of autonomy and the need for women to express themselves.
Highlights the struggles of women: The theme portrays the struggles of women and highlights the need for change.
Emphasizes the importance of equality: The theme emphasizes the importance of equality and the need for women to have equal rights and opportunities.

The Significance of the Theme in Modern Literature

The theme of limited roles in marriage is a significant aspect of modern literature. It:

Continues to be relevant: The theme continues to be relevant today, highlighting the struggles of women and the need for change.
Raises awareness about the importance of autonomy: The theme raises awareness about the importance of autonomy and the need for women to express themselves.
Emphasizes the importance of equality: The theme emphasizes the importance of equality and the need for women to have equal rights and opportunities.

Charlotte Perkins Gilman's short story, "The Yellow Wallpaper," is a thought-provoking and haunting tale that delves into the lives of women during the 19th century. In this article, we will explore the themes and significance of this narrative through a Q&A format.

Q: What is the main theme of "The Yellow Wallpaper"?

A: The main theme of "The Yellow Wallpaper" is the limited role women played in marriage during the 19th century. The story highlights the patriarchal society of the time and the ways in which women were restricted from expressing themselves and making decisions.

Q: What is the significance of the yellow wallpaper in the story?

A: The yellow wallpaper is a symbol of the protagonist's growing madness and her desire for autonomy. The wallpaper becomes a focal point for her frustration and desperation, and its significance is revealed through her observations and interactions with it.

Q: What is the role of the husband, John, in the story?

A: John is a symbol of the patriarchal society and the restrictive views of women during the 19th century. He is dismissive of his wife's feelings and needs, and his actions are motivated by a desire to control and dominate her.

Q: What is the significance of the protagonist's descent into madness?

A: The protagonist's descent into madness is a powerful commentary on the societal pressures and expectations placed on women during the 19th century. Her madness is a result of her inability to express herself and her frustration with the restrictive views of her husband.

Q: How does the story relate to modern society?

A: The story relates to modern society in several ways. It highlights the importance of autonomy and the need for women to express themselves. It also emphasizes the importance of equality and the need for women to have equal rights and opportunities.

Q: What is the significance of the story's ending?

A: The story's ending is significant because it highlights the tragic consequences of the protagonist's descent into madness. The ending is also a commentary on the societal pressures and expectations placed on women during the 19th century.

Q: What is the legacy of "The Yellow Wallpaper"?

A: The legacy of "The Yellow Wallpaper" is significant, and the story continues to be studied and analyzed in literature classes around the world. The story has also been adapted into numerous forms of media, including films, plays, and television shows.

Q: How does the story relate to feminist theory?

A: The story relates to feminist theory in several ways. It highlights the importance of autonomy and the need for women to express themselves. It also emphasizes the importance of equality and the need for women to have equal rights and opportunities.

Q: What is the significance of the story's use of symbolism?

A: The story's use of symbolism is significant because it adds depth and complexity to the narrative. The yellow wallpaper, for example, is a symbol of the protagonist's growing madness and her desire for autonomy.

Q: How does the story relate to the concept of the "other"?

A: The story relates to the concept of the "other" in several ways. The protagonist is an "other" in the sense that she is a woman in a patriarchal society, and her experiences and perspectives are marginalized and ignored.

In conclusion, "The Yellow Wallpaper" is a thought-provoking and haunting tale that delves into the lives of women during the 19th century. The story highlights the limited role women played in marriage during this era and emphasizes the importance of autonomy and the need for women to express themselves. The legacy of the story is significant, and it continues to be studied and analyzed in literature classes around the world.

Q: What is the main theme of "The Yellow Wallpaper"?
A: The main theme of "The Yellow Wallpaper" is the limited role women played in marriage during the 19th century.
Q: What is the significance of the yellow wallpaper in the story?
A: The yellow wallpaper is a symbol of the protagonist's growing madness and her desire for autonomy.
Q: What is the role of the husband, John, in the story?
A: John is a symbol of the patriarchal society and the restrictive views of women during the 19th century.
Q: What is the significance of the protagonist's descent into madness?
A: The protagonist's descent into madness is a powerful commentary on the societal pressures and expectations placed on women during the 19th century.

Patriarchal society: A society in which men hold power and women are marginalized and ignored.
Autonomy: The ability to make decisions and act independently.
Symbolism: The use of objects, colors, or other elements to represent abstract ideas or concepts.
The "other": A term used to describe individuals or groups that are marginalized and ignored by society.