In “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, tone plays a crucial role in conveying the narrator's descent into madness. This essay will explore the different tones present in the story and their impact on the overall narrative. By examining the oppressive and sinister tone, the desperate and frenzied tone, and the liberated and triumphant tone, we can understand how Gilman uses tone to highlight the narrator's mental deterioration and eventual liberation. Ultimately, this analysis will reveal how tone contributes to the deeper themes of gender oppression, mental health, and the power of self-expression in "The Yellow Wallpaper." Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay The oppressive and sinister tone is evident from the beginning of the story. The narrator describes the house as having "something strange", creating an atmosphere of unease (Gilman). This tone is reinforced by the yellow wallpaper itself, which is described as "dull enough to confuse the eye, pronounced enough to constantly irritate and provoke study" (Gilman). The repetitive patterns of the wallpaper reflect the confinement and entrapment of the narrator. This oppressive and sinister tone contributes to the sense of isolation and captivity felt by the narrator, emphasizing the oppressive nature of her environment. As the story progresses, the desperate and frantic tone intensifies. The narrator becomes obsessed with the wallpaper and states, "I never saw a worse newspaper in my life" (Gilman). His obsession with wallpaper reflects his deteriorating mental state and his growing desperation to escape his confinement. The tone becomes more and more frantic as she exclaims, "I'm finally out, despite you and Jane. And I took out most of the paper, so you can't put me back in!" (Gilman). This desperate and frenzied tone highlights the narrator's increasing madness and her desperate attempts to regain control of her own life. Towards the end of the story, the tone shifts to a liberated and triumphant tone. The narrator's obsession with the wallpaper comes to a head when she fully identifies with the woman stuck behind it. She states, “I finally came out and took most of the paper off, so you can't put me back” (Gilman). This declaration signifies his liberation from the confines of societal expectations and his triumph over his own mental illness. The tone becomes triumphant as she proclaims: “I got through this despite you and Jane!” (Gilman). This liberated and triumphant tone expresses the narrator's newfound freedom and her ability to assert herself in a society that seeks to confine and silence her. In “The Yellow Wallpaper,” tone is a powerful tool to convey the narrator’s journey from oppression to liberation. The oppressive and sinister tone of the beginning sets the stage for the narrator's descent into madness, while the desperate and frenzied tone reflects her increasing desperation to escape her confinement. Finally, the liberated and triumphant tone signifies his ultimate triumph over societal expectations and his own mental illness. Through these different tones, Gilman effectively explores themes of gender oppression, mental health, and the power of self-expression. The story is a poignant reminder of the importance of maintaining independence and fighting against the constraints imposed by society. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a custom essay Bibliography: Gilman, Charlotte Perkins. "The yellow wallpaper." 1892.