The Yellow Wallpaper: Characters

The Narrator

The narrator of The Yellow Wallpaper is a complex and deeply troubled character. Throughout the story, she struggles with postpartum depression and is confined to a room by her physician husband, who prescribes a "rest cure" for her. As the story progresses, the narrator's mental state deteriorates, and she becomes increasingly fixated on the yellow wallpaper in her room.

One of the most striking aspects of the narrator's character is her sense of isolation and helplessness. She is completely dependent on her husband, who controls every aspect of her life and dismisses her concerns about her own well-being. The narrator is forbidden from working or writing, and is told to simply rest and "be quiet." This sense of powerlessness is a recurring theme throughout the story and reflects the limitations placed on women at the time.

Despite her husband's attempts to control her, the narrator is determined to assert her own identity and express herself. She is a writer, and throughout the story, she longs to write but is prevented from doing so by her husband's restrictions. The yellow wallpaper becomes a symbol of her own confinement and the limitations placed on her ability to express herself. As her mental state deteriorates, she begins to identify with the woman behind the wallpaper, who she sees as a representation of her own suppressed desires and potential.

As the narrator becomes more and more obsessed with the wallpaper, she descends into madness. Her behavior becomes increasingly erratic and unpredictable, and her mental state is clearly deteriorating. Despite this, she is still a sympathetic character, and her struggle to assert her own identity is a powerful commentary on the limitations placed on women at the time.

The narrator's descent into madness is a poignant and haunting aspect of her character. As she becomes more and more fixated on the wallpaper, she loses touch with reality and becomes increasingly consumed by her own delusions. However, her madness is also a form of rebellion, and it is through her madness that she is finally able to assert her own identity and break free from the limitations placed on her.

Overall, the narrator of The Yellow Wallpaper is a complex and multi-dimensional character who embodies the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society. Her sense of isolation, powerlessness, and desire for self-expression are all themes that resonate with readers today. Her descent into madness is a poignant and haunting portrayal of the toll that societal limitations can take on a person's mental health and well-being. Despite her tragic fate, the narrator's character is a powerful symbol of the enduring human spirit and the desire to break free from the constraints of society.

John

John from The Yellow wallpaper

John is the narrator's husband in The Yellow Wallpaper, and while he is a relatively minor character in terms of his presence in the story, his influence on the narrator's mental state is profound. John is a physician, and it is he who prescribes the "rest cure" that confines the narrator to a room and exacerbates her postpartum depression.

One of the most striking aspects of John's character is his dismissive and condescending attitude towards his wife. He treats her as if she is a child, and his constant use of pet names like "little girl" and "blessed little goose" reinforces his view of her as a helpless and dependent creature. His patronizing behavior is a reflection of the patriarchal society in which the story is set, and it reinforces the limitations placed on women's lives at the time.

John's belief in his own authority as a physician also contributes to his dismissive attitude towards his wife's concerns. He is convinced that he knows what is best for her, and his refusal to listen to her protests or take her concerns seriously exacerbates her sense of isolation and helplessness.

Despite his flaws, however, it is clear that John cares for his wife and genuinely believes that he is helping her. His desire to protect her and keep her safe is driven by his love for her, even if he is misguided in his approach. His concern for her physical well-being is evident throughout the story, and his attempts to protect her from any kind of exertion or stress are motivated by a genuine desire to help her recover.

However, it is also clear that John's insistence on the "rest cure" is misguided and ultimately exacerbates the narrator's mental state. His unwillingness to listen to his wife's concerns or take her seriously ultimately leads to her descent into madness. While his intentions may have been good, his approach to treating his wife is ultimately shown to be flawed and ineffective.

Overall, the character of John in The Yellow Wallpaper reflects the patriarchal society in which the story is set. His dismissive attitude towards his wife is a reflection of the limitations placed on women's lives at the time, and his belief in his own authority as a physician ultimately contributes to the deterioration of his wife's mental health. While his love for his wife is evident, his approach to treating her ultimately fails, and his character serves as a powerful commentary on the limitations of medical authority and the need for empathy and understanding in treating mental illness.

Jennie

Jennie from The Yellow Wallpaper

Jennie is John's sister and the narrator's caretaker in The Yellow Wallpaper. Although she is a minor character in the story, Jennie plays an important role in the narrative and serves as a contrast to the narrator's own experiences.

One of the most striking aspects of Jennie's character is her calm and practical demeanor. Unlike the narrator, who is consumed by her own thoughts and anxieties, Jennie is a model of efficiency and organization. She goes about her tasks with a quiet competence, and her ability to keep the household running smoothly is a testament to her skills as a caretaker. Her steady and grounded presence provides a stark contrast to the narrator's increasingly unstable mental state, highlighting the differences between the two women.

The character of Jennie in The Yellow Wallpaper is also depicted as being extremely kind and caring towards the narrator. She is patient and understanding, and her gentle manner helps to soothe the narrator's anxieties. In many ways, Jennie serves as a maternal figure to the narrator, providing comfort and support when she needs it most. Her kindness and compassion are a stark contrast to John's dismissive and condescending attitude towards his wife, and her presence in the story highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in caring for those who are struggling with mental illness.

Despite her kind and caring nature, however, Jennie is ultimately complicit in the narrator's confinement. She is a product of the patriarchal society in which the story is set, and she does not question the authority of her brother or his medical opinions. As a result, she plays an unwitting role in the narrator's descent into madness, even as she tries to provide comfort and support. Her character serves as a reminder of the limitations placed on women's lives at the time, and the ways in which societal expectations and norms can contribute to the mistreatment of those who are suffering.

Overall, Jennie is a complex character whose presence in the story highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in caring for those who are struggling with mental illness. While her kindness and compassion are evident, her complicity in the narrator's confinement serves as a reminder of the ways in which societal expectations and norms can contribute to the mistreatment of those who are suffering. Her steady and grounded presence serves as a stark contrast to the narrator's own instability, highlighting the differences between the two women and underscoring the importance of supportive relationships in times of crisis.