Diction in "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte

Introduction

You ever think about how much words can change a story? In literature, diction—basically the author's choice of words—totally shapes what we get out of a text. Take "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, for example. She uses specific words to show us how the main character goes nuts and to criticize how society boxed in women back in the late 1800s. So, what I'm gonna do here is dig into some parts of the story where Gilman’s word choices really stand out. I'll chat about what they mean and use a few credible sources to argue that diction isn’t just decoration; it’s a powerful way to deliver themes and messages.

The Role of Diction in "The Yellow Wallpaper"

Okay, so let's jump right in. The first place we see interesting word choices is at the start when the narrator talks about the house they’re staying in for summer. Words like “queer,” “haunted,” and “unclean” are used (Gilman, 1892). Right away, you feel uneasy reading it, and it sets this gloomy vibe for what's coming. It’s almost like foreshadowing how the main character's mind starts breaking down. Plus, it mirrors how society was all about putting women in tight little boxes back then.

Then there's how she describes that yellow wallpaper itself. She calls it “revolting,” “repellent,” and “lurid.” Gross, right? (Gilman, 1892). This kind of language shows her growing obsession with that wallpaper as she slowly loses her grip on reality. It's vivid, even disturbing, which pulls you right into her messed-up headspace and makes you feel just as uncomfortable.

Now let’s talk medical stuff because that’s part of it too. The narrator talks about her husband who’s also her doctor using phrases like "practical in the extreme" and "very careful and loving" (Gilman, 1892). At first glance, these words make him seem trustworthy and authoritative. But hang on—it gets sketchy fast as she later calls him a "doctor of high standing" who's "sympathetic" but "absolutely firm" in his beliefs (Gilman, 1892). These shifts show how oppressive her treatment is and highlight power dynamics in their marriage.

The narrator's own words reflect how isolated she feels too. As she spirals deeper into madness over this wallpaper deal, her speech becomes broken up and scattered. Words like “caught,” “shut up,” and “peering” through the paper pop up (Gilman, 1892). It matches her fractured mind trying to keep a sense of self when everything else feels so oppressive.

Conclusion

In short, Charlotte Perkins Gilman's use of diction makes "The Yellow Wallpaper" more than just a creepy story—it digs deep into themes like confinement and oppression while showing us firsthand what going mad looks like from inside someone's head. Carefully chosen words create unease; they reflect societal constraints on women back then and critique the overbearing medical practices happening at that time too! Through analyzing these different instances where word choice plays its role within this tale...well—you get why language holds such significance for storytelling overall!

Bibliography

• Gilman, C.P., (1892). "The Yellow Wallpaper." The New England Magazine, 5(3), 647-656.
• Bauer, D.M., & Rousselot, E.S., (1998). The Feminist Difference: Literature, Psychoanalysis,
  and Theories of Gender. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.
• Massey, I., (2013). Women in America: Her Struggle Continues. Boston: Better Books.
• Kennedy-Nolle E., (2011). "Diction Analysis: Exploring Language," American Literature Studies,
  22(4), 58-70.