Origins of Madness in Humans Essay - 1251 Words

No person is inherently mad; humans have caused other humans to drown their own sanity which can then submerge that person into an ocean of madness. Historically, madness had become a common occurrence with women due to several stress factors they must endure on a daily basis: finding a husband, baring children, raising children, find a suitable job, retaining femininity, and more. Authors Charlotte Gilman and Jhumpa Lahiri explored the psyche of two women who were facing very stressful situations. Gilman’s The Yellow-Wallpaper, introduces her readers to an unnamed nineteenth century woman who is slowly falling into madness. The protagonist must endure the â€Å"rest cure† where she must live without artistic expression, human contact, or†¦show more content†¦Women of the 19th century were under constant restraint due to how men believed they should act in society. Women were not allowed to have jobs that men did not believe they were suitable for. However wom en were allowed to take up jobs such as being servants, house wives, farmers, tailors, or school teachers. Although these jobs were available to women it was up to the men to decide if a woman could partake in such careers; men were the alphas of any household and had complete control over women. Many women turned towards the arts to find purpose in their lives and to keep themselves occupied, but even then men would find ways to retrain their creativity. Female characters suffered the effects of isolation brought on by constant oppression driving them insane. The views of women in early literature were being ignored by the men and society. â€Å"If a woman happened to aspire for such features like independence, self- sufficiency and self-fulfillment, which were reserved only for nineteenth century men, this woman is considered selfish, unwomanly, and unchristian† (Muhi, p.3). Women of the 19th century who refused to abide by the social norms, what is called â€Å"the Cult o f True Woman,† would be labeled as being hysterical. 19th century feminist writers would usually portray their protagonist characters as females who are mentally unstable. These portrayals of mad women would be used to depict the struggles that woman of the Victorian timeShow MoreRelated Justice in William Shakespeares King Lear Essay1038 Words   |  5 PagesJustice in William Shakespeares King Lear The question of the origin of true, virtuous, and impartial justice has plagued mankind over the millennia and continues to do so today. In Shakespeare’s King Lear two potential forms of justice predominate: human examination through trial and divine supernatural recourse. Both systems emerge fundamentally flawed in practice, however, and by the end of the play a world of unjust chaos reigns supreme. 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