Feminism and Freedom in The Yellow Wallpaper and The Story of an Hour

Introduction

In “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman and “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin, we observe how life during this time period revolves around how men view women and their qualities. “The Story of an Hour” relates to “The Yellow Wallpaper” because they share themes of feminism and the struggle for freedom. Both stories depict women striving to meet societal standards on their journey to liberation. In both narratives, doctors prescribe rest treatments to address the women's conditions. In ‘The Yellow Wallpaper,’ the protagonist is diagnosed by her husband, an established doctor, with mental depression. Her husband takes her to an isolated mansion in an unsuccessful attempt to cure her depression. He forces her to stay in a specific room she dislikes, thereby contributing to her suffering. By confining her to this room and denying her freedom, he exacerbates her condition. In ‘The Story of an Hour,’ the main character, also a woman, retreats to a room alone in search of freedom. She yearns to live her life separated from her husband. However, during this period, she is denied liberty and remains trapped in her marriage. Tragically, she dies of a heart attack, a consequence of her denied freedom.

Feminism and Freedom in "The Yellow Wallpaper" and "The Story of an Hour"

The two stories describe women hopelessly seeking freedom but not receiving it due to the control exerted by their husbands. In ‘The Story of an Hour,’ Louise confesses that her life has changed since her marriage. When she learns of her husband's death, she feels an unexpected joy at the thought of life without him, exclaiming that her soul and body are finally free (Chopin, 1894, p. 543). However, her joy is short-lived as she discovers her husband is still alive. Similarly, the protagonist in ‘The Yellow Wallpaper’ is also denied freedom by her husband. He prevents her from spending time in a room where she wants to stay, not allowing her to pursue her desires or become who she wants to be (Gilman, 1892, p. 846). In both stories, closed rooms serve to reveal the private thoughts of the characters. Outside these rooms, the women's actions align with societal expectations. However, when confined to solitary spaces away from their husbands, a significant transformation occurs. The protagonist in “The Yellow Wallpaper” experiences mental turmoil, prohibited from engaging in any activity. Left alone in the room, her thoughts fixate on the wallpaper's design until she descends into insanity. She attempts to liberate herself by tearing at an image resembling a woman within the pattern, seeking freedom but ultimately losing her sanity.

In “The Story of an Hour,” Louise's experience parallels the narrator in “The Yellow Wallpaper” as she too finds herself confined to a room, which becomes the catalyst for her ultimate sense of freedom. Within the room, the reader gains insight into Louise's thoughts. Like the woman in “The Yellow Wallpaper,” she exhibits different behavior in isolation. The rooms in these stories serve as arenas where the characters undergo self-destruction. In both narratives, the women are portrayed as achieving freedom by confronting societal norms. When Louise hears of her husband's death, she isolates herself in a room, experiencing a newfound confidence, as evidenced by her exclamations of freedom at last (Chopin, 1894, p. 856). In “The Story of an Hour,” she contemplates changing her life, feeling a sense of liberation by locking herself away. Similarly, in ‘The Yellow Wallpaper,’ John's wife, the main character, becomes abnormally obsessed with the wallpaper. The image of a woman within it symbolizes her confinement. She identifies with the image and attempts to free it through destruction. This act makes her feel as if she has finally attained freedom (Gilman, 1892, p. 543). Both stories ultimately depict women breaking free from their circumstances.

Medical Misinterpretation and Patriarchal Control

Another similarity between “The Story of an Hour” and “The Yellow Wallpaper” is how women are viewed from a doctor’s perspective. In the 19th century, few women became doctors, as the profession was dominated by men. The authors use doctors to illustrate men's perceptions of women. In ‘The Yellow Wallpaper,’ the protagonist is married to a doctor who prescribes a rest cure for her postpartum depression. This treatment, common at the time, involved isolation and inactivity. Similarly, a misdiagnosis occurs in “The Story of an Hour.” Louise is said to have died of heart failure, attributed to the shock of relief and joy upon learning her husband is alive. However, a deeper analysis of her thoughts reveals a different cause. The doctors conclude that her depression stemmed from her devotion to her husband. In reality, it is the overwhelming emotion of finally experiencing freedom that leads to her demise.

Conclusion

‘The Yellow Wallpaper’ and ‘The Story of an Hour’ poignantly depict the role of women in society and their struggle for independence. The stories suggest that women are capable of living autonomous lives without interference from their husbands. They tirelessly pursue freedom, yet their naivety results in failure. This narrative arc suggests a potential shift toward a future where women hold power in society, enabling them to live independently, free from male control.

References

Chopin, K. (1894). The Story of an Hour. In The Complete Works of Kate Chopin. Chicago: The Emily Toth Collection.

Gilman, C. P. (1892). The Yellow Wallpaper. In The Charlotte Perkins Gilman Reader. New York: Pantheon Books.