Symbolism

One example of symbolism in the yellow wall paper could be the bars on the window. The bars on the window could represent that women are held back in society. When there are bars in front of you, they could prevent you from going somewhere. The bars keep Gilman in a room where there is nothing to do, such as the bars of society hold the women back from doing things. The men are on the outside, they can do so much more than the women who are just sitting inside a room all day. The men have more options and can go places unlike the women.  The men can walk around outside and can come and go as they please. Just like John, he could go in and out of the house but, Jane could only stay inside of the house. These bars hold women back. I have used this quote from the Yellow Wallpaper before, but you can get so much from it, "There comes John, and I must put this away,-- he hates to have me write a word." (2) This shows right here that Jane is not even able to write. She is being held back from writing. Another thing it says in the Yellow Wallpaper is, "He is very carful and loving, and hardly lets me stir without special direction." This shows that John does not even want Jane to move around a lot. (2)

Symbolism- the use of symbols to express or represent ideas or qualities in literature.




For additional information, check out these cites. They really helped me get some good ideas.
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/liselle.htm
http://teaching-direction.blogspot.com/2010/02/symbolism-in-yellow-wall-paper-by.html