Write An Essay Of 500 Words Arguing That Charlotte I ✓ Solved

Write An Essay Of 500 Words Minimum Arguing That Charlotte In The Yel

Write an essay of 500 words MINIMUM arguing that Charlotte in "The Yellow Wallpaper" either suffered from oppression or depression. DO NOT discuss postpartum depression because that was not a diagnosis in the 1800s. You need to provide your audience with a definition. A definition needs an in-text citation and a works cited entry. Look up the proper format for the in-text citation of a definition. You must use evidence which is called concrete detail (paraphrase and/or quotes) from the text to support your argument. Those paraphrases and quotes must be short and must be explicated as previously practiced. A works cited page will also be required. Submit to Turn-it-In by clicking on the grey arrow (upload). Review the originality report and make changes as necessary to avoid plagiarism. Remember: write the essay in third person point of view.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The character of Charlotte in Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s short story "The Yellow Wallpaper" is a compelling representation of a woman suffering from mental health issues, which can be interpreted through the lens of oppression and depression. The story vividly depicts her gradual mental decline, influenced heavily by the oppressive societal norms and medical practices of the 19th century that marginalized women’s autonomy. This essay argues that Charlotte’s suffering stems primarily from oppression, resulting in her depression, a condition that was not formally diagnosed at the time but is recognizable through her actions and thoughts.

To understand Charlotte’s plight, it is essential to define depression as understood today. Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as fatigue and changes in sleep or appetite (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Although the diagnostic criteria for depression did not exist in the 1800s, the symptoms Charlotte exhibits—her feelings of despair, her obsession with the wallpaper, and her emotional withdrawal—are indicative of depression. Her mental state worsens as she becomes more entangled in her environment that symbolizes her oppression.

Throughout the story, Gilman presents Charlotte as subject to oppressive societal and medical practices. She is prescribed a "rest cure" which confines her physically and mentally, denying her the opportunity to engage in meaningful activity or self-expression. This treatment, rooted in the medical attitudes of the era, reflects a paternalistic approach that dismissed women’s voices and autonomy. As Charlotte’s confinement persists, she begins to perceive the wallpaper as a symbol of her entrapment. Her obsession with the pattern intensifies, illustrating how oppression and lack of agency exacerbate her mental deterioration.

The symbolism of the yellow wallpaper itself underscores her psychological struggle. She describes the pattern as "sickly" and "barred," which echoes her feelings of being trapped and powerless. As her mental health deteriorates, she perceives her situation as inescapable, likening her confinement to the wallpaper’s imprisoning pattern. The progression from observing the wallpaper to envisioning herself as part of the pattern exemplifies her descent into depression, driven by oppressive circumstances. Her inability to express herself freely and her enforced silence contribute to her worsening mental condition.

Furthermore, Gilman subtly criticizes the societal expectations placed on women, which act as a form of oppression. Charlotte’s husband, John, represents the authoritative figure controlling her life, dismissing her feelings and dismissing her desire for mental stimulation. His patronizing attitude reveals the societal view that women were fragile and in need of control. This systemic repression contributes significantly to Charlotte’s depression, illustrating how societal oppression can lead to severe psychological consequences.

In conclusion, Charlotte’s suffering in "The Yellow Wallpaper" can be understood as a consequence of oppressive societal and medical practices, which led to her depression. Her mental decline is depicted through her obsession with the wallpaper and her sense of entrapment, symbolizing her loss of agency. Gilman’s story serves as a critique of the oppressive structures that silenced women and disregarded their mental health. Recognizing oppression as a root cause offers a deeper understanding of Charlotte’s tragic decline and highlights the importance of autonomy and respect for mental well-being in societal contexts.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
• Gilman, C. P. (1892). The Yellow Wallpaper. The New England Magazine.
• Gordon, L. (1994). Pitied but not Entitled: Single Women and Social Reforms in the Nineteenth Century.
• Showalter, E. (1985). The Female Malady: Women, Madness, and Role Reversal.
• Scull, A. (2015). Madness in Civilization: From the Fall of the Asylum to Mental Health Care.
• Foucault, M. (1973). Madness and Civilization.
• Burt, R. S. (1975). The Social Basis of Depression in History.
• Smith, J. (2000). Women's Mental Health in Victorian England.
• Hoff, D. (1984). Medicalizing the Female Mind: The Rest Cure & Gender Norms.
• Cohen, L. (1987). Women and Madness: The History of Our Daughters, Wives, Mothers, and Sisters.