Symbolism

The "Yellow Wallpaper", to me had many deeper meanings that might one come across. Not only does it touch on Gilman's personal story, but also what was going on during that time of history. Male dominance was at an all time high. John believed that she should not do any work and be kept to herself. When in reality, writing could have helped her more than anything. He also has a tendency to overpower the narrator.e "I don't like our room a bit. I wanted one downstairs that opened on the piazza and had roses all over the window, and such pretty old-fashioned chintz hangings! but John would not hear of it." She also seems to make excuses to protect herself, such as "He is caring and loving and hardly lets me stir without special direction."
The wallpaper could be a symbolic relationship to John. The wallpaper is simply hiding and covering the true wall for what it really is. John simply wants the narrator to hide and hinders her. The wallpaper starts to become personified, "This paper looks to me as if it knew what a vicious influence it had!" When the narrator finally begins to tear away the paper, it symbolizes her breaking free from John's and societies hold. She will no longer be covered and overpowered. " I've got out at last," said I, "in spite of you and Jane? And I've pulled off most of the paper, so you can't put me back!" This passage also signifies a great importance for other women. It means that other women to will be coming out of man's shadows and make their mark clearer and more distinct in the world.