Below is a sample outline and a well-developed interpretive literary analysis essay in MLA on the short story “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. This example will guide you in organizing your thoughts and ideas for your essay.
“The Yellow Wallpaper” Feminist Analysis Essay
Essay Outline
- Introduction
- Hook: Begin with a compelling quote or statement related to the themes of confinement or women’s mental health in the 19th century.
- Provide some background information on the author, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and the historical context of the story.
- Present a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines the main argument or interpretation of your analysis. For example, you might focus on the symbolism of the yellow wallpaper as a reflection of the protagonist’s mental state and her oppression within the domestic sphere.
- Plot Summary
- Provide a concise summary of the story’s plot, including the main characters (the narrator, John, and Jennie) and the setting (the isolated colonial mansion).
- Describe the progression of the narrator’s mental state and her increasing obsession with the yellow wallpaper.
- Character Analysis
- Focus on the character of the narrator (the unnamed protagonist).
- Analyze her transformation throughout the story, from initial submission to her husband’s authority to her ultimate rebellion against his control.
- Discuss the development of her relationship with the wallpaper and how it reflects her descent into madness.
- Symbolism of the Yellow Wallpaper
- Explore the symbolism of the yellow wallpaper within the context of the story.
- Analyze how the wallpaper represents the narrator’s deteriorating mental state, entrapment, and desire for liberation.
- Discuss the significance of the creeping pattern and the woman trapped behind the wallpaper.
- Writing Style and Literary Techniques
- Examine Gilman’s writing style, including her use of first-person narration and stream of consciousness.
- Analyze the author’s choice of language, imagery, and figurative language to convey the narrator’s emotions and descent into madness.
- Discuss how Gilman’s narrative techniques enhance the reader’s understanding of the story’s themes.
- Historical and Cultural Context
- Discuss the late 19th-century societal norms and attitudes toward women’s mental health.
- Explore the “rest cure” treatment prescribed to women suffering from “hysteria” during that period.
- Explain how Gilman’s personal experiences and feminist beliefs influenced her writing of “The Yellow Wallpaper.”
- Feminist Interpretation
- Consider the feminist interpretation of “The Yellow Wallpaper.”
- Analyze how the story critiques the patriarchal medical establishment and the societal constraints placed on women in the 19th century.
- Discuss the story’s role in early feminist literature and its impact on feminist discussions of women’s mental health.
- Conclusion
- Summarize the main points of your analysis without introducing new information.
- Restate your thesis statement in a slightly different way to remind the reader of your main argument.
- Offer some broader insights or reflections on the significance of “The Yellow Wallpaper” in literature and its enduring relevance.
- Works Cited
- Include a list of works cited if you have referenced any external sources in your analysis, following the citation style specified by your instructor (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago).
- Follow specific guidelines set by your college/ institution.
This sample outline provides a structured framework for your analysis of “The Yellow Wallpaper,” but you can adjust it to meet the specific requirements of your assignment or your personal preferences.
