Reflecting their role in society, women in literature are often portrayed in a position that is dominated by men. Especially in the nineteenth century, women were repressed and controlled by their husbands as well as other male influences. In "The Yellow Wall-Paper," by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, the protagonist is oppressed and represents the effect of the oppression of women in society. This effect is created by the use of complex symbols such as the house, …showed first 75 words of 1906 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1906 total…her life is ultimately her responsibility, a reader, who often times is 'controlled' by a story, must come to the realization that a work of literature only becomes a personal experience when he/she finally determines his/her interpretation or 'control' over the story. It is this realization of control or the reader's interpretation that is the final block that gives the building that is known as a story, depth and meaning to every reader.