The Relationship between Love and Freedom
The old ball and chain, getting tied down and getting hitched are all derogatory expressions used to define the lifelong relationship and commitment that couples agree upon, which is better known in today’s society as marriage. Upon growing up, individuals are taught that there is one person destined for them and that upon finding that person they will get married and live a life of harmony together and gain true bliss. Although this makes for a fairytale like ending, individuals need to understand that what society is portraying about marriage is in no way an accurate representation of what it is truly like. In actuality, maintaining a healthy marriage is a very difficult feat because it requires constant sacrifice and submission between the two individuals. When examining the relationship between John and the Narrator within “The Yellow Wallpaper” and Mr. and Mrs. Mallard within “The Story of an Hour”, it first appears that they are in a loving symbiotic relationship, however, after further examination it becomes clear that these women have to make tremendous sacrifices and fulfill gender roles for their husbands.
There are many key components to upholding a healthy marriage, but none might be stressed more than immense communication between the two individuals. Communication is key between the individuals because it allows the two to understand each other’s hearts’ desires. It is evident that the relationship between John and the Narrator lacks this crucial component because she states “John does not know how much I really suffer” (Gilman 153). If this were in fact a healthy marriage then she would not be afraid to express her true feelings to her husband. It signifies that she in a sense views herself as inferior to her husband because she feels as if she cannot speak freely around him. This story was written in 1892 so it is important to understand the historical context of this time period and...