The story is known for a representation of what Gilmore went through when she was ill bu is the yellow wall paper also a wider representation of how all women were treated in the 18th century?
At times in the text the protagonist is referred to as “little goose” by John (Her husband, the male figure) In slang a ‘goose’ is known as a silly person so it appears John is being patronising towards her for having her opinion of just leaving the room. In Victorian times it was very much what the man wanted to do and if the woman had an idea he wouldn’t agree with then it wouldn’t be listened to or taken into consideration but left; “Man knows what is best”
A very Victorian characteristic towards women would be their ‘Stiff upper lip’ Woman were to self-restrain themselves to any expression of emotion (particularly fear and grief) especially in the company of men to show their respect. An example in the Yellow Wallpaper would be when the woman is explaining her nervousness, she later explains”But John says if I feel so, I shall neglect proper self-control; so I take pains to control myself—before him” Not only is she having to conceal her real feelings but go to extraordinary lengths as her illness must mean extra stress and more emotions hence “I take pains”250
-} Often referred to as hysterical pg 1 first column
-} Everything is for the husbands benefit pg 3 first column
-} Domestic life pg 3 second column 
-} Feeling of possession pg 5 first column

Onomatopoiea and oxymoron