Using The Yellow Wallpaper by C. P. Gilman (pgs 871-887) to construct a 2-3 page literary analysis paper. Your task is to highlight 1-2 elements or literary devices as discussed in class and, through this, explore the connection the author creates to today’s modern world. Why does this story matter today? Follow APA rules for in-text citations, formatting, and the references page. A minimum of three direct quotes are quired as supporting evidence.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Literary Analysis of “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper” is a seminal work of feminist literature that delves into themes of mental health, patriarchy, and the oppression of women. In this analysis, we will focus on the element of symbolism, specifically the yellow wallpaper itself, and explore its relevance to the modern world.
Symbolism of the Yellow Wallpaper
One of the most prominent literary devices in Gilman’s story is the symbolic significance of the yellow wallpaper that the protagonist, Jane, becomes fixated on. The wallpaper serves as a metaphor for the constraints imposed by societal norms and gender roles. As Jane’s mental state deteriorates, her obsession with the wallpaper intensifies, reflecting her entrapment within a patriarchal society that stifles her agency and autonomy.
Gilman vividly describes the wallpaper as “dull enough to confuse the eye in following, pronounced enough to constantly irritate and provoke study” (Gilman, 1892, p. 872). This description not only captures the physical appearance of the wallpaper but also alludes to the pervasive nature of gender-based oppression that women like Jane experience in society. The repetitive pattern of the wallpaper mirrors the cyclical patterns of marginalization and confinement faced by women throughout history.
Connection to the Modern World
The themes explored in “The Yellow Wallpaper” remain strikingly relevant in today’s modern world. The story sheds light on the detrimental impact of societal expectations and gender norms on individuals’ mental health and well-being. Women continue to face systemic barriers and discrimination that can contribute to feelings of powerlessness and alienation, echoing Jane’s struggles in the narrative.
In contemporary society, the yellow wallpaper can be seen as a metaphor for the invisible constraints and gendered expectations that continue to limit women’s autonomy and agency. The story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of challenging oppressive structures and advocating for gender equality and empowerment.
Why “The Yellow Wallpaper” Matters Today
“The Yellow Wallpaper” holds significant relevance today as it prompts readers to reflect on issues of mental health, gender inequality, and individual autonomy. By drawing attention to the insidious effects of patriarchal norms on women’s lives, Gilman’s story serves as a call to action for dismantling oppressive systems and fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
In conclusion, through its use of symbolism, particularly the yellow wallpaper, “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman offers a powerful critique of gendered oppression and societal expectations. The story’s enduring relevance underscores the continued importance of advocating for gender equality and challenging oppressive structures in today’s world.
References
Gilman, C. P. (1892). The Yellow Wallpaper. In Lauter, P. (Ed.), The Heath Anthology of American Literature (6th ed., pp. 871-887). Houghton Mifflin.
