The Yellow Wallpaper", written by Charlotte Perkins Gillman

The Yellow Wallpaper", written by Charlotte Perkins Gillman ,is considered by many as the best written book of fiction. The story related to Gilman's life so much that it became one of the greatest feminist literature ever written. The setting of the story contributes a lot to what the writer wants to say but while reading the book, we, the readers, can only guess the setting by the geographic and physical descriptions given in the text.

The geographic setting of "The Yellow Wallpaper" has an ironic effect because what the main character does is completely the opposite to what she can do in a location as described . In the text it says, "Out of another (window) I get a lovely view of the bay and a little private wharf belonging to the estate. (164). In this line, we can conclude that the setting is along the Atlantic Ocean. It also says that the house is "A colonial mansion, a hereditary estate"(161). In here, we can say that the story took place in the south of the United States where mansions were common at that time. We can also believe that the weather is lovely and that outdoor activities are popular. Ironically, the main character doesn't do anything but stay in a room and does what she was told to -- not to do anything.

There is also an irony between the physical setting and what the main character does. Since the text mentions the four of July, we know that the story happened during the summer. At this time of year, it is very hot in the south. The room where the main character stayed and rested must have been very hot, too. It is also mentioned that the mansion was three miles from the village so it would have been easy for the main character to walk, go to town or do some other activities. But, she doesn't do any of these. Instead, she stays in a room the whole time and does nothing. "It was nursery first then playroom and gymnasium, I should judge, for the windows are barred for little children and there are rings and things in the walls". (168) This line shows that the main character cannot play or do anything in this room. The view she sees from the windows are places where she can never go. The bars on the windows represents prison. And, the wallpaper has a dull color. It makes the room look empty and depressing.

In short, I think the setting of "The Yellow Wallpaper" tells us the writer's dreams, hopes, disappointments, frustrations and pressures she had experienced in life. It also shows clearly how she is struggling with her relationships with others.It is a story worth reading