Introduction
The family has always been a steadfast social structure in society, closely intertwined with the institution of marriage. However, people often overlook the fact that this institution was initially crafted by patriarchal powers to instill specific values from a young age. “The Yellow Wallpaper” critiques this institution, arguing that it does not serve the interests of freedom, happiness, and well-being of both partners. It showcases the effects of patriarchal power on the relationship dynamics between a married couple.
Institution of Marriage and Subversion of Basic Human Needs
When one delves into the depths of “The Yellow Wallpaper,” one finds a critique of the concept of marriage. However, this critique does not target the family structure, specifically the institution of marriage. Marriage, as it is presented in the narrative, is a conduit for the propagation of patriarchal values.
One of the poignant quotes from the narrative reads, “John does not know how much I suffer. He knows there is no reason to suffer, and that satisfies him” (Gilman, 1892, p. 649). The institution of marriage is a mere façade for happiness in this context. It is essential to understand that the erosion of the family bond comes from patriarchal interference. Such erosion leads to misunderstandings between partners.
Therefore, the discussion should center around the corruption of fundamental human necessities. As evidenced in the narrative, family units should create and enable love, affection, and open communication. Yet, the main protagonist in the given story cannot speak truthfully. She does not feel free to speak honestly and openly but in a dead and numb language (Anasiudu, 2022).
Hence, the institution of marriage, as it is portrayed, disrupts these family values. It creates an entrapment similar to that experienced by homeowners burdened by mortgage debt. The subversion of human needs also manifests in other areas such as education, social media, banking, and employment.
Patriarchy: Artificial Power Structure
The narrative provides a perspective on the institution of marriage from the lens of both genders. It elaborates on how the institution not only restricts women but also has negative implications for men. Gilman’s (1892) writing provides insight into this with the quote, “He loves me very dearly and hates to have me sick” (p. 651). This quote serves as a reminder that husbands are not inherently patriarchal; instead, they, too, are victims of the system.
This system leads to misery and unhappiness for all involved. Any happiness in a marriage exists not because of the institution but despite it. The institution’s depiction as a vehicle for unhappiness and oppression contradicts the desires of both men and women who establish a family.
The patriarchal system forces an unnatural power dynamic onto the fluid dynamics of a family unit. This power dynamic reframes the family unit into roles that resemble a business structure. The husband becomes the employer, the wife the employee, and the children become customers. This structure is harmful, as seen in the protagonist’s experience with her husband’s misguided attempts at help.
The protagonist’s condition worsens due to John’s insistence on a ‘rest cure’ – a method that was common in Victorian times but deemed “too sadistic, controlling, and intrusive” (Anasiudu, 2022). The ‘rest cure’ was a treatment steeped in sexist assumptions about women. Because of this, husbands often inflicted harm on their wives under the guise of helping them.
The narrative clearly shows the effects of imposing an artificial power structure on a healthy family unit. It demonstrates the unhappiness and lack of freedom experienced by both partners due to this structure. It emphasizes that the elements contributing to unhappiness and oppression in a marriage are not intrinsic to the family unit but are instead enforced by the institution of marriage itself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “The Yellow Wallpaper” offers a sweeping critique of the institution of marriage and its patriarchal roots. It highlights how this institution deprives both partners of their freedom, happiness, and well-being. The narrative shows how an artificial power structure imposed on a healthy family can adversely affect its members. It paints a picture of John, who, despite his love for his wife, inadvertently causes her suffering through a patriarchal ‘rest cure.’ This ‘cure,’ designed by Victorian doctors with a sexist mindset, represents a dark side of the patriarchal influence.
References
Anasiudu, O. (2022). Literature, idea and the feminist consciousness in Charlotte Perkin Gilman’s “The Yellow Wall-Paper.”ELS Journal on Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities, 5(2), 320-327. Web.
Gilman, C. P. (1892). The yellow wallpaper. Web.