Abstract

“The Yellow Wallpaper” is the most famous short story written by American female writer Charlotte Perkins Gilman in late nineteenth century. Presented in the first person perspective, the story portrays the destiny of a woman who was confined in a house and her resistance to the patriarchal society. In the process of her struggle, she was driven crazy but her self-consciousness was awakened. This paper will focus on the narration of the story from three aspects, namely, its narrative traits, its literary techniques and its characterization to show that “The Yellow Wallpaper” is a feminist masterpiece full of aesthetic effects which is inspiring for women to pursue freedom and equality in any time.

Key words: The Yellow Wallpaper; narrative traits; symbolism; resistance

Contents

Abstract

摘  要

Introduction-1

1. The Narrative Perspective and Traits in “The Yellow Wallpaper”-2

1.1 A Female Perspective from the Narrator-2

1.2 The Changing Narrative Voice-2

2. The Literary Techniques Employed in “The Yellow Wallpaper”-4

2.1 The Application of Symbolism-4

2.2 The Application of Irony-5

2.3 The Application of Foreshadowing-6

3. The Characterization in “The Yellow Wallpaper”-8

3.1 The Husband as a Director-8

3.2 The Sister-in-law as a Surveillant-9

3.3 The Protagonist as a Resistant-9

Conclusion-11

References-12