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Love and Female Insanity in The Yellow Wallpaper: An Analysis of Women's Sexual Autonomy & Marriage

Charlotte Perkins Gilman's The Yellow Wallpaper tells the story of a woman struggling with her own sanity while confined to a bedroom by her husband, a physician, in an attempt to cure her postpartum depression. The narrator's descent into madness is fueled by her lack of agency, both in her marriage and in her own sexuality. Through the narrator's experiences, Gilman critiques the way in which marriage and hegemonic patriarchy work to suppress female sexuality and autonomy.

In the early 20th century, marriage was often seen as a means of controlling women's sexuality and limiting their independence. The narrator's husband, John, represents this kind of controlling spouse, as he constantly asserts his authority over her and denies her agency. For example, John refuses to allow the narrator to leave the bedroom and engage in any stimulating activity, claiming it will "do [her] good to have nothing to think of but your physical health" (Gilman). This statement not only diminishes the narrator's intelligence and agency, but also suggests that John believes the only value a woman has is in her physical appearance and reproductive abilities. The author positions women as having an inherent inferiority which was often backed by men claiming women's "innate burdens", such as periods, menopause, and childrearing all rendered them subservient to men.

Furthermore, John actively suppresses the narrator's creativity and intellectual pursuits, stating that "there is no use in [her] writing" and that it is not a suitable activity for a woman (Gilman). This serves to reinforce the idea that a woman's primary role is in the domestic sphere and that any attempts at intellectual or creative expression are unnecessary and even undesirable. This further highlights the way in which marriage and the patriarchy work to restrict women's autonomy and self-expression. The narrator's inability to assert her own desires and needs within the confines of her marriage also contributes to her descent into madness. Despite her desire to leave the bedroom and engage in stimulating activities, she feels powerless to defy John's wishes and is forced to comply with his wishes. This lack of agency and ability to make her own decisions eventually leads to the narrator's mental breakdown. Building on this, in the text we see the bed in nailed the ground, further exemplifying her isolation and entrapment as a prisoner to hegemonic patriarchal gender roles.

The Yellow Wallpaper also explores the way in which female sexuality is suppressed and controlled within marriage. The narrator's husband, John, is described as being "very careful and loving" and "an excellent physician" (Gilman). However, his love and care for the narrator is rooted in a desire to control her rather than a genuine desire for her well-being. For example, John frequently checks on the narrator and monitors her behavior, further limiting her autonomy. This control over the narrator's sexuality is further emphasized through the imagery of the yellow wallpaper in the story. The narrator becomes obsessed with the wallpaper, viewing it as a symbol of her own confinement and lack of agency. The patterns and designs of the wallpaper become intertwined with her own thoughts and feelings, representing the way in which her own sexuality and autonomy are trapped and suppressed within her marriage.

The narrator's obsession with the wallpaper also serves as a metaphor for the way in which women's sexuality is often objectified and fetishized within the patriarchy. The narrator describes the wallpaper as "unclean" and "spiteful" and is unable to resist the urge to peel it away, revealing the underlying patterns and designs (Gilman). This can be seen as a metaphor for the way in which women's sexuality is often viewed as something dirty and shameful, and the way in which men attempt to control and manipulate it.

The Yellow Wallpaper serves as a powerful critique of marriage and the way in which it can work to suppress female sexuality and autonomy. Gilman's depiction of the narrator's descent into madness highlights the damaging effects of such suppression and the importance of female agency and self-expression. This theme is relevant in modern society, as many women continue to face barriers to their sexual autonomy and agency within the confines of marriage and relationships. In a society that values monogamy and traditional gender roles, women may feel pressured to adhere to certain expectations and may face consequences for asserting their own desires and needs. One example of this can be seen in the way in which women's sexual desire is often stigmatized and viewed as inappropriate or unladylike. This double standard can be seen in the way in which men are often praised for their sexual desire and conquests, while women who express their own desires may be viewed as promiscuous or lacking in self-control. This reinforces the idea that women's sexuality is something that needs to be controlled and suppressed, rather than something that is natural and healthy.


Additionally, the expectations placed on women within marriage can often work to limit their autonomy and agency. For example, women may be expected to prioritize their spouse's needs and desires above their own, leading to a loss of self-identity and agency. This can be particularly damaging for women who may already be struggling with mental health issues or feeling overwhelmed by their responsibilities.

The Yellow Wallpaper serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of such suppression and the importance of female agency and self-expression. Gilman's depiction of the narrator's descent into madness serves as a powerful reminder of the need for women to assert their own desires and needs within their relationships.


In conclusion, The Yellow Wallpaper serves as a powerful critique of marriage and the way in which it can work to suppress female sexuality and autonomy. Through the narrator's experiences, Gilman highlights the damaging effects of such suppression and the importance of female agency and self-expression. This theme is still relevant in modern society, as many women continue to face barriers to their sexual autonomy and agency within the confines of marriage and relationships. It is crucial for women to recognize the importance of their own desires and needs and to assert their own agency within their relationships in order to prevent the negative consequences depicted in The Yellow Wallpaper.

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