GENDER STEREOTYPES IN THE SHORT STORY YELLOW WALLPAPER BY

CHARLOTTE PERKIN GILMAN’S AND THE POEM PHENOMENAL WOMAN BY MAYA

ANGELOU

Feminist criticism theory is a literary approach that prompts readers to examine the
relationships and societal roles of both genders, male and female, as depicted in literary
works. According to the Cambridge Dictionary (2022), feminism is the belief in equal rights,
treatment, power, and opportunities for women, and it also encompasses the women's
liberation movement (Kayahan, 1999). Through the feminist lens, we gain a perspective on
the societal valuation of women across various realms, including social, political, cultural, and
economic domains. This perspective illustrates the need for women to be recognized,
respected, and afforded equal opportunities and rights in all aspects of life. In literature,
feminist criticism theory serves as a valuable tool for interpreting literary works by delving into
and analyzing the unique experiences faced by women, which often differ significantly from
those of men. Gender oppression is a recurring theme throughout history, where women have
been subjected to various forms of discrimination and limitations. For instance, in the past,
societal norms dictated that women should remain at home and prioritize childcare over
pursuing careers or personal ambitions. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that gender
oppression persists even today. The feminist lens allows us to recognize and challenge
ingrained stereotypes and biases that perpetuate inequality between men and women.

Based on the feminism criticism theory, I have chosen gender stereotype as a theme from
the two well-known literary which is The Yellow Wallpaper, a short story by Charlotte Perkins
Gilman’s and Phenomenal Woman, a poem wrote by Maya Angelou. Both of these literary
works shared the same theme which is gender stereotype upon women. While men have the
freedom to do everything that they want, women on the other hand have been set and looked
as person who are powerless and must obey to their husband. Not only that, women also must
be in a good health in order to take care of their family and to always look pretty and
presentable. Gender stereotype are one of the theme being portrays in the story. After the
narrator, the main character, gives birth to a baby, her husband John, who is also a physician,
diagnoses her with "temporary nervous depression-slight hysterical tendency," now
recognized as postpartum depression (Gilman, 1990: 153). John prescribes a 'rest cure' for
three months and forbids her from working until she recovers. The narrator is secluded in an
isolated house with her husband and sister-in-law Jennie, who acts as the housekeeper.
Despite John's restrictions on her intellectual activities, including writing and thinking, the

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narrator secretly continues to write, stating, "I did write for a while in spite of them" (Gilman,
1990: 153).

This scenario highlights gender stereotypes, with men expecting women to be loyal, obedient,
and passive. The constraints imposed on the narrator not only limit her ability to think but also
hinder her from raising awareness among women. The 'rest cure' symbolizes the oppression
and imprisonment of women, as the narrator's objections to John are stifled by societal
expectations for women to obey their husbands, who are deemed knowledgeable and
authoritative in a patriarchal society. In Gilman's story "The Yellow Wallpaper," John serves
as a reflection of the negative societal views towards women, portraying them as inferior
citizens confined to domestic roles. Women are marginalized from political and public spheres
and are instead expected to remain within the confines of their homes. Such perceptions have
spurred women to advocate for their rights through movements like the first wave of feminism,
which aimed to secure equality between men and women, including the right to vote.

In the poem, Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou, gender stereotype are being
emphasized clearly by the author throughout the poem. The poem portrays a speaker who,
despite not conforming to society's narrow standards of thinness, exudes a confident and
attractive femininity. "Phenomenal Woman" by Maya Angelou is a powerful poem that
challenges traditional gender stereotypes and celebrates the strength and confidence of
women. Throughout the poem, Angelou expresses the idea that true beauty and power come
from within, rather than conforming to societal expectations. One of the key gender
stereotypes addressed in the poem is the idea that a woman's worth is solely determined by
her physical appearance. Angelou rejects this notion, asserting that her allure stems from her
inner confidence and self-assuredness. She describes herself as "phenomenal" not because
of her physical attributes, but because of her innate strength and charisma. In today's society,
there is still pressure on women to conform to narrow beauty standards perpetuated by media
and popular culture. These standards often prioritize a certain body type, skin color, or facial
features. "Phenomenal Woman" challenges this by asserting that true beauty comes from
confidence and self-assuredness, regardless of whether one fits conventional beauty ideals.
For example, many women nowadays who are obsessed to being white and try to change
their skin colour by consuming unauthorised supplement claiming that it can make their skin
fairer. It happened due to the notion of being white or fair are better than having a tan or dark
skin.

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While progress has been made in recognizing and celebrating women's confidence and
assertiveness, there are still lingering stereotypes that assertive women are "bossy" or
"aggressive." Angelou's poem celebrates confidence and self-assurance as sources of power,
countering the notion that women should be passive or submissive. Studies have shown that
assertive behavior is often viewed differently depending on the gender of the individual. For
example, a woman who speaks up confidently in a meeting may be perceived as domineering,
whereas a man displaying similar behavior might be seen as assertive and competent. This
stereotype can discourage women from expressing their opinions or taking on leadership roles
for fear of being judged or facing backlash.

In conclusion, both "The Yellow Wallpaper" and "Phenomenal Woman" offer compelling
critiques of gender stereotypes, highlighting the importance of recognizing women's
autonomy, agency, and inherent worth. While Gilman's story exposes the harmful
consequences of oppressive gender norms, Angelou's poem celebrates the strength and
resilience of women who defy societal expectations and embrace their true selves. Together,
these works serve as powerful reminders of the ongoing struggle to challenge and overcome
gender stereotypes in pursuit of equality and empowerment.

(1032 words)

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REFERENCES

America. Feminist Studies, 15(3), 415-441. doi:https://doi.org/10.2307/3177938

Angelou, M. (1993). The poetry of Maya Angelou. Book-of-the-Month.

Gilman, C. P. (1973). The yellow wallpaper. Wisehouse Classics.

Hedges, Elaine. The Yellow Wallpaper, Charlotte Perkins Gilman. Old Westbury, New York:
Feminist Press,

Lanser, S. S. (1989). Feminist criticism," The Yellow Wallpaper," and the politics of color in

America. Feminist Studies, 15(3), 415-441. doi:https://doi.org/10.2307/3177938

“I’m a woman phenomenally”: Black women empowerment in selected poems of Maya

angelou. (2023). The 13th VESAL Conference Book of Proceedings.
https://doi.org/10.23918/vesal2023v39