Essay Database

In The Yellow Wallpaper, a short story by Charlotte Gilman, there are many symbols within the text that one can construe a myriad of ways. One of the most prominent and perhaps the most important symbol is the titled yellow wallpaper. To the main character, Jane, the wallpaper is at first a nuisance, then an obsession, and finally salvation. The material of the paper itself represents Jane’s everyday life. The illogical pattern that decorates …

…Jane. And I’ve pulled off most of the paper, so you can’t put me back.” She completely disconnects from “Jane” and disconnected, simply becomes a free woman. She destroys her sanity along with the wallpaper, and like the wallpaper her sanity cannot be restored. Her detachment from sanity frees her from obligations, logical thoughts, and normal life restraints. And through the progression from mild lunacy to complete insanity, she finally finds her salvation.