Analysis of John in "The Yellow Wallpaper"

John is a central character in Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper," and his role within the story is crucial to understanding the narrator's descent into madness. This essay will explore the complexities of John's character and outline how his actions and beliefs contribute to the deterioration of the narrator's mental state. By analyzing different aspects of John's behavior, attitudes, and treatment of the narrator, we can gain a deeper understanding of the themes and messages conveyed in the story.

John's Role as a Patriarch

One of the key aspects of John's character is his role as a patriarch. As the narrator's husband and a physician, John holds significant power and control over her life. He imposes his authority by prescribing a "rest cure" for her supposed nervous condition, confining her to a room with barred windows and forbidding her from engaging in any stimulating activities. This oppressive treatment reflects the societal norms of the time, where women were expected to be submissive and obedient to their male counterparts.

This patriarchal dynamic is evident in John's dismissive attitude towards his wife's concerns. Despite her pleas for a change of environment or more stimulating activities, John dismisses her desires as mere "fancies" and insists that he knows what is best for her. His patronizing tone and refusal to acknowledge her as an equal exacerbate the narrator's feelings of isolation and powerlessness, ultimately contributing to her psychological decline.

John's Misdiagnosis and Ineffective Treatment

In addition to his patriarchal behavior, John's role as a physician is also crucial to the story. However, it becomes evident that he is not competent in diagnosing or treating his wife's condition. John's belief in the efficacy of the rest cure, which involves complete physical and mental inactivity, reflects the medical practices of the time. Unfortunately, this treatment only worsens the narrator's mental state.

John's ignorance and arrogance in dismissing the narrator's concerns and desires for more stimulating activities prevent her from receiving the appropriate care she needs. This highlights the detrimental effects of the medical profession's ignorance and lack of understanding of mental health at the time. By relying on outdated and ineffective treatments, John inadvertently contributes to the narrator's descent into madness.

John's Symbolic Representation

Beyond his role as a patriarch and a physician, John also serves as a symbolic representation of the oppressive and restrictive nature of society. His character embodies the societal expectations placed upon women during the late 19th century, where their desires and aspirations were often suppressed in favor of fulfilling domestic duties.

The yellow wallpaper present in the room where the narrator is confined becomes a powerful symbol of her own oppression. John's dismissive attitude towards her concerns mirrors the societal dismissal of women's voices and agency. The narrator's obsession with the wallpaper, which gradually takes on a more sinister and oppressive presence, symbolizes her growing awareness of the suffocating nature of her societal role.

Conclusion

In conclusion, John's character in "The Yellow Wallpaper" plays a significant role in the deterioration of the narrator's mental state. His portrayal as a patriarch, his misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment, and his symbolic representation of societal oppression all contribute to the unraveling of the narrator's sanity. By examining these aspects of John's character, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex themes and messages conveyed in Gilman's story.

It is important to acknowledge the historical context and the societal norms that shaped characters like John, as it allows us to reflect on the progress made in understanding and addressing mental health issues today. "The Yellow Wallpaper" serves as a powerful critique of the patriarchal and oppressive systems that existed during that time, urging us to continue challenging such systems and advocating for the well-being and autonomy of all individuals.

Bibliography:

Gilman, Charlotte Perkins. "The Yellow Wallpaper." The New England Magazine, vol. 5, no. 5, 1892, pp. 647-657.

Golden, Catherine. "The Writing of "The Yellow Wallpaper": A Double Palimpsest." Studies in American Fiction, vol. 17, no. 2, 1989, pp. 193-201.