Introduction: Irony in “The Yellow Wallpaper”
Irony in “The Yellow Wallpaper” is evident in the narrator’s descent into madness, which is exacerbated by the very treatment meant to cure her. Once captivated by the pattern on the yellow wallpaper of her room, the narrator of Gilman’s story becomes increasingly ironic. This irony is evident from the beginning of the story but may not be fully realized by readers until later, particularly with the statement, “why would that man have fainted?” (651), referring to the physician. Both her husband John, who is also her physician, and her brother, who is also a physician, share the belief that her mental state is weak. They prescribe various treatments, leading the narrator to question their mental strength, their dominance, and their assumptions about women’s mental health. Despite being educated men, they firmly believe she is mentally ill. The narrator’s narrative thus critiques not only patriarchal assertions of control and masculinity but also the assumption that women are inherently mentally frail.
First Line and Irony in “The Yellow Wallpaper”
The opening lines of the story introduce the ironic notion of equality, as the female narrator remarks, “people like John and myself secure ancestral halls” (641). This apparent equality is quickly juxtaposed with the narrator’s subsequent questions, highlighting her observations about aspects that the men fail to comprehend. She notes the inferior quality and vacant state of the hall, yet her husband John and brother fail to acknowledge her concerns, dismissing her as mentally frail. Through her ironic tone, the narrator subtly critiques the ignorance of John and her brother regarding her mental state and the significance of her observations. Similarly, the theme of control, both over oneself and others, is also subject to irony throughout the narrative.
Self Control and Irony in “The Yellow Wallpaper”
The irony regarding self-control becomes particularly apparent considering both male members are physicians. The narrator sarcastically refers to her husband as a “physician of high standing, and one’s own husband” (642), implying that his professional status grants his opinions undue authority. Similarly, her brother’s authority is unquestioned. Consequently, she is compelled to comply with their prescriptions for medication and rest, despite her reservations. However, as the story progresses, it becomes evident that their supposed self-control is not as steadfast as they project. The narrator confesses, “I get unreasonably angry with John” (643), undermining the facade of control they maintain. Furthermore, her husband’s loving and caring demeanor is juxtaposed with his advice for her to exercise self-control to improve her mental strength, adding another layer of irony. This irony is heightened by the narrator’s growing sense of resentment and her eventual descent into madness, despite her efforts to maintain control.
Women and Irony in “The Yellow Wallpaper”
It is often believed that women possess a unique ability to perceive things beyond the surface, a skill perhaps rooted in their biological capacity for creation. In “The Yellow Wallpaper,” this notion takes on a startling reality as the narrator imagines a living woman trapped within the wallpaper, eventually bringing her to life. Despite her husband’s admonition against indulging in such fantasies, cautioning her “not to give way to fancy in the least” (843), he himself falls victim to the same delusion. The irony lies in the fact that he, a physician presumed to be strong-willed and mentally stable, succumbs to fainting after witnessing the same hallucination that his mentally ill wife has been experiencing. While the narrator does not elaborate on his condition, she recounts his peculiar reaction to her and the wallpaper, highlighting the absurdity of the situation. This juxtaposition of the husband’s supposed rationality with his unexpected fainting spells adds layers of irony to the story.
Conclusion: Irony in “The Yellow Wallpaper”
In “The Yellow Wallpaper,” the narrator employs biting irony to expose the pervasive patriarchal dominance in opinions, medical treatment, and psychological understanding of her condition. Despite outwardly acquiescing to her husband John and brother’s authority, she subtly presents a contradictory perspective. Through her sharp observations, she reveals the inconsistencies in their beliefs and actions. For instance, while they claim she is not ill, they prescribe medication and take her to a supposedly restorative but unsettling health resort. Additionally, she demonstrates her own self-control by maintaining her sanity amidst her hallucinations, while her husband faints at the sight of her behavior. Even when faced with hysteria from John, her calm response to obtaining keys and opening a door highlights the irony of male doctors who lack composure in handling simple situations.
Works Cited: Irony in “The Yellow Wallpaper”
Gilman, Charlotte Perkins. “The Yellow Wallpaper.” From The Norton Anthology of American Literature, ed. By Nina Baym and Robert S. Levine. WW. Norton. 2018. 841-852.
Relevant Questions about Irony in “The Yellow Wallpaper”
- How does the irony in “The Yellow Wallpaper” contribute to the theme of gender roles and the oppression of women in the late 19th century?
- In what ways does the narrator’s ironic perception of her surroundings reflect her growing sense of rebellion against patriarchal authority?
- How does the irony surrounding the narrator’s mental health diagnosis challenge the reader’s assumptions about the reliability of medical professionals and societal attitudes towards women’s autonomy?
