The Oppression of Women on the Yellow Wallpaper The Yellow Wallpaper is a story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. Although the work is short, it is one of the most interesting works in existence. Gilman uses literary techniques very well. The symbolism of The Yellow Wallpaper can be seen and used after some thought and immediately makes sense. Society's opinions and ideals are often found in literary works. Whether the author is trying to show the ills of society by simply telling a story, culture is woven into the words. The relationship between the narrator and her husband would be unpleasant for a modern woman's relationship. Today, most women want equality with their partner. The reader never learns the narrator's name, perhaps to give the illusion that she could be any woman. On the very first page of The Yellow Wall-Paper, Gilman illustrates male-dominated society and relationships. It was customary for men to assume that their sex knew what, when, how and why to do things. John, the narrator's husband, is a prominent doctor, and both his and his wife's words and actions reflect the above stereotype: "John laughs at me, of course, but that's expected in marriage" (9). This statement illustrates the blatant sexism of society at the time. John does not believe his wife is ill, when in reality she is suffering from postpartum depression. He neglects to listen to his wife regarding her thoughts, feelings, and health through this thought pattern. According to him there is nothing wrong with his wife, other than some temporary nervous problems, which should not be serious. By isolating her from the rest of the world, he is taking her away from things that are important to her mental state; such as his ability to read and write, his need for human interaction, his need to make his own decisions. All of these are important to all people. This idea of ​​forced rest and relaxation to cure temporary nervous problems was very common at the time. Many doctors prescribed it to their patients. The narrator's husband, brother, and their colleagues believe that this is the correct way to solve his problem, which in their eyes is practically non-existent. Throughout the beginning of the story, the narrator tends to believe that the man is always right and makes excuses for his feelings, actions and words: "It's so hard to talk to John about my case, because he's so wise and because he loves me so much," (23).