Introduction
In Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper” and Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour,” the central characters, the unnamed narrator and Mrs. Louise Mallard, respectively, play crucial roles in illustrating the themes of female oppression and the pursuit of freedom. These characters undergo significant transformations, shedding light on these themes within their respective narratives.
Character in The Yellow Wallpaper
In “The Yellow Wallpaper,” the unnamed narrator initially appears as a passive and obedient wife, confined to a room by her husband, John, who is also her physician. This confinement symbolizes the societal constraints on women during the late 19th century. The narrator’s character development begins subtly as she becomes increasingly obsessed with the room’s yellow wallpaper (Redling & Scheiding, 2022). Her fixation on the wallpaper represents her mental and emotional imprisonment, reflecting the stifling expectations and control imposed on women by society.
As the story unfolds, the narrator’s obsession intensifies. She believes a woman is trapped behind the wallpaper, mirroring her struggle for freedom. The chaotic design of the wallpaper mirrors the confines of her domestic role. Her character evolution from submission to rebellion underscores the theme of female oppression (Redling & Scheiding, 2022). Ultimately, she tears down the wallpaper, symbolizing her break from societal constraints and the devastating consequences of female oppression on mental health.
Character in The Story of an Hour
Contrastingly, “The Story of an Hour” introduces us to Mrs. Louise Mallard, who receives news of her husband’s death. Initially, she responds with grief, conforming to societal expectations. However, her character undergoes a profound transformation as the story unfolds. She recognizes that her husband’s death grants her newfound freedom and independence. The open window symbolizes her liberation as she envisions a life free from the confines of marriage.
This character evolution underscores the theme of seeking autonomy, exemplified when Louise Mallard encounters a fleeting yet profound self-revelation. She acknowledges how societal expectations and her marital duties have stifled her dreams and ambitions. Her awakening signifies the desire for personal liberty shared by numerous women in her era, yet unspoken (Redling & Scheiding, 2022). Tragically, her newfound freedom is abruptly curtailed when her spouse returns unexpectedly, resulting in her sudden demise, thereby underscoring the dire outcomes of societal limitations.
Comparison of Characters
Comparing the two literary works, “The Yellow Wallpaper” and “The Story of an Hour” delve into women’s challenges within distinctive character arcs. In “The Yellow Wallpaper,” the protagonist, who remains unnamed, undergoes a profound descent into insanity due to her husband’s oppressive influence and societal expectations (Redling & Scheiding, 2022). Her character evolution becomes evident through her growing fixation on the wallpaper, ultimately leading to her mental unraveling.
In contrast, “The Story of an Hour” portrays the character of Mrs. Louise Mallard, whose transformation represents a journey toward personal liberation. Her character development unfolds as she transitions from initial grief to a state of joy and newfound hope when contemplating her newfound freedom. However, this emancipation is short-lived, emphasizing the tragic consequences of societal limitations (Redling & Scheiding, 2022). This divergence in character responses highlights the intricate nature of the theme of women’s struggles and the diverse ways women navigate and confront societal restrictions.
Conclusion
In summary, the character progressions of the unnamed protagonist in “The Yellow Wallpaper” and Mrs. Louise Mallard in “The Story of an Hour” serve as potent vehicles for exploring the themes of women’s challenges and the pursuit of autonomy within their respective narratives. These transformations shed light on the profound influence of societal expectations and gender roles on women’s lives.
Works Cited
Redling, E., & Scheiding, O. (2022). Handbook of the American Short Story. Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG.