Women's Oppression in Yellow WallpaperYellow Wallpaper is a story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. Although the book is short, it is one of the most interesting works in existence. Gilman uses literary techniques very well. The symbolism of yellow wallpaper can be seen and used after reflection and immediately takes on meaning. Society's opinions and ideals are often found in literary works. Whether the author is trying to show the ills of society by simply telling a story, the culture is woven into the words. The relationship between the narrator and her husband would be unpleasant for a modern woman's relationship. Today, most women aspire to equality with their partners. The reader never learns the narrator's name, perhaps to give the illusion that she could be any woman. On the very first page of the Yellow Wall-Paper, Gilman illustrates male-dominated society and relationships. It was common for men to assume that their gender knew what, when, how and why to do things. John, the narrator's husband, is a prominent physician and his words and actions, as well as those of his wife, reflect the aforementioned stereotype: "John makes fun of me, of course, but that's expected in marriage » (9). This statement illustrates the blatant sexism of society at the time. John doesn't believe his wife is sick, when in reality she is suffering from postpartum depression. He neglects to listen to his wife about her thoughts, feelings, and health through this thought pattern. According to him, there is nothing wrong with his wife, except for temporary nervous problems, which should not be serious. By isolating him from the rest of the world, it keeps him away from things important to his mental state; such as his ability to read and write, his need for human interaction, his need to make his own decisions. This is all important to everyone. This idea of ​​forced rest and relaxation to treat temporary nervous problems was very common at the time. Many doctors prescribed it to their patients. The narrator's husband, brother, and co-workers all believe this is the right way to solve her problem, which in their eyes is virtually non-existent. Throughout the beginning of the story, the narrator tends to adhere to the idea that man is always right and to make excuses for his feelings, actions and words: "It's so hard to talk from my case to John, because he is so wise and because he loves me so much," (23).