Symbolism and Society in Young Goodman Brown and the Yellow Wallpaper

Literary symbols whisper secrets between story's lines. Two quintessential examples of this are Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown" and Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper." Both these works employ rich symbolism to critique societal norms, though they do so from different perspectives. Hawthorne's narrative delves into the hidden sins and moral duplicity within a Puritan community, while Gilman's story highlights the oppressive dynamics faced by women in a patriarchal society. This essay aims to illuminate how symbolism is employed in these literary pieces to underscore the underlying themes of societal critique.

Hawthorne’s Critique of Religious Hypocrisy

Nathaniel Hawthorne, an American novelist known for his exploration of moral and religious themes, uses "Young Goodman Brown" to dissect the veneer of piety in Puritan society. The protagonist, Goodman Brown, embarks on a journey into the forest, a place symbolizing the unknown and the forbidden. Here, he encounters Goody Cloyse, a character who epitomizes religious hypocrisy. Once revered as a pious catechism teacher, she is revealed to be a devotee of the devil. This revelation is particularly jarring for Goodman Brown, who had placed his faith in her teachings. The forest gathering, attended by many of his fellow townspeople, symbolizes the pervasive sin and duplicity that lurk beneath the surface of a seemingly virtuous community. This use of symbolism illustrates Hawthorne's critique of the moral pretensions of Puritan society, highlighting the theme that those who proclaim sanctity may harbor profound moral failings.

Moreover, the character of Goodman Brown himself becomes a symbol of the everyman’s struggle with faith and doubt. His journey into the forest represents a rite of passage, a confrontation with the dark aspects of human nature and society. The staff he receives from the devilish figure he meets symbolizes the temptation and ease with which one can be led astray. Upon returning to his village, Goodman Brown's perception of his community is irrevocably altered. This change underscores the theme of disillusionment with societal norms, as Brown becomes distrustful and cynical, unable to reconcile his experiences with the facade of righteousness.

Gilman’s Exploration of Patriarchal Oppression

In stark contrast to Hawthorne's exploration of religious hypocrisy, Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s "The Yellow Wallpaper" employs symbolism to critique the patriarchal structures that confine women to subservient roles. The narrator, a woman suffering from postpartum depression, is subjected to the "rest cure" by her husband, John, a physician. The wallpaper in the room where she is confined becomes a powerful symbol of her entrapment and mental deterioration. Its intricate, oppressive patterns represent the constraints imposed by societal expectations and the lack of autonomy experienced by women.

The narrator's gradual obsession with the wallpaper mirrors her descent into madness, which is exacerbated by her isolation and lack of creative outlet. Her secret journal, which she must hide from her husband and his sister Jennie, becomes a symbol of her suppressed voice and identity. Jennie, content with her role as housekeeper, embodies the societal expectation that women should find fulfillment in domestic duties. This expectation is further emphasized by the narrator’s relationship with her husband, who dismisses her opinions and feelings, reinforcing the power imbalance inherent in their relationship.

Gilman, a prominent feminist and social reformer, uses this symbolism to expose the damaging effects of a patriarchal society that stifles women's intellectual and emotional growth. The narrator’s eventual breakdown is a poignant commentary on the need for self-expression and autonomy, serving as an indictment of the societal structures that deny women these basic rights.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both "Young Goodman Brown" and "The Yellow Wallpaper" utilize symbolism to critique societal norms and expose underlying truths about human nature and social structures. Hawthorne’s narrative reveals the moral duplicity of a society that outwardly professes religious devotion, while Gilman’s story underscores the oppressive dynamics faced by women in a patriarchal society. Through their masterful use of symbolism, both authors invite readers to question the integrity of societal values and the impact of these values on individual lives. By examining these works, we gain a deeper understanding of how literature can serve as a mirror to society, reflecting its flaws and prompting introspection and change.

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