Table of ContentsIntroductionBodyConclusionBibliographyIntroductionThe use of diction in literature plays an important role in defining the overall meaning and impact of a text. In "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, the author uses a deliberate choice of words to express the protagonist's descent into madness and to criticize the societal constraints placed on women in the late 19th century. This essay will explore the various instances of diction in the story, analyzing their implications and providing evidence from credible sources to support the argument that diction serves as a powerful tool for conveying the themes and messages of the story. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on "Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned"?Get the original essayBodyThe first instance of remarkable diction in "The Yellow Wallpaper" is in the opening paragraphs, where the narrator describes the house in which he resides for the summer. The choice of words, such as “faggot,” “haunted,” and “unclean,” immediately conveys a sense of unease and sets a dark tone for the story (Gilman, 1892). This diction foreshadows the protagonist's deteriorating mental state and establishes a sense of confinement and oppression, reflecting the societal expectations placed on women during this time. Additionally, the author's use of specific vocabulary to describe the yellow wallpaper itself enhances the reader's understanding of the protagonist's attitude. mental state. The narrator describes the wallpaper as “revolting,” “repulsive,” and “sinister,” emphasizing its grotesque and disturbing nature (Gilman, 1892). This diction reflects the protagonist's growing obsession with wallpaper and her descent into madness. The vivid and disturbing language used by Gilman serves to immerse the reader in the narrator's deteriorating mental state and creates a feeling of discomfort and unease. Another aspect of diction in "The Yellow Wallpaper" is the author's use of medical terminology, which adds to the critique of the history of the patriarchal medical establishment. The narrator describes her husband, who is also her doctor, as “practical in the extreme” and “very careful and loving,” using words that initially convey a sense of trust and authority (Gilman, 1892). However, as the story progresses, the diction used to describe her husband becomes more sinister, with the narrator calling him a "doctor of high rank", "sympathetic" but "absolutely firm" in his beliefs (Gilman, 1892). . This change in diction highlights the oppressive nature of the medical treatment imposed on the protagonist, as well as the power dynamics within her marriage. Additionally, the choice of words used by the protagonist herself reflects her growing sense of isolation and confinement. As she becomes more and more obsessed with the wallpaper and with her own descent into madness, her diction becomes increasingly fragmented and disjointed. She describes herself as being “caught,” “silent,” and “looking” through the wallpaper (Gilman, 1892). This fragmented diction reflects her fragmented state of mind and highlights her struggle to maintain a sense of identity in the oppressive environment she finds herself in. ConclusionIn "The Yellow Wallpaper", Charlotte Perkins Gilman uses diction effectively to convey the themes of confinement, oppression, and the protagonist's descent into madness. Through careful choice of words, the author creates a sense of unease, reflects the societal constraints placed on women, and critiques the oppressive nature of the medical establishment. The use of diction improves., 5(3), 647-656.