“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” and “the Yellow Wallpaper” Essay Example
Both "The Yellow Wallpaper" and "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" depict protagonists who utilize their imagination to evade reality. However, a distinct contrast exists between them: one protagonist can reenter reality while the other gradually descends into madness. Moreover, these two characters share comparable incentives for seeking an escape from reality, specifically concerning their domestic lives and partners. They consistently find themselves under the dominance and guidance of those closest to them, which denies them any sanctuary except within their own thoughts.
The main character in "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" is a man named Walter Mitty who has a common issue - he often daydreams. His mind tends to wander, particularly when thinking about his wife. Unfortunately, she continuously belittles him and fails to acknowledge his manliness. As a result, whe
...never Mitty's thoughts drift away, he enters a different world where he transforms into a hero and takes on the lead role. In this alternate reality, he can be anyone and succeed in any task.
Similar to Walter Mitty, the protagonist in "The Yellow Wallpaper," Charlotte, is married to a controlling husband who believes he knows what is best for her. Like Walter Mitty's wife, Charlotte's spouse expects complete obedience and dismisses her as a "silly girl" if she refuses. This dynamic with her husband also causes Charlotte's thoughts to drift away. However, unlike Walter Mitty, whose daydreaming serves as an escape from his wife's pressures and restrictions, Charlotte's mind gradually descends into madness.
Unlike Walter Mitty, Charlotte's mental state deteriorates and she resorts to imagination as a means of releasing her trapped emotions. However, unlike Walter
Mitty, she cannot return to reality. The more she suppresses her emotions, the stronger her hallucinations become, ultimately causing her to lose her sanity. In contrast, Walter Mitty temporarily disconnects from reality but always manages to return to normalcy. I believe Walter Mitty has a stable mental state; he simply enjoys daydreaming as a coping mechanism and source of happiness in his life. Consequently, the narratives themselves differ significantly.
Despite the similarities in the main characters of each story, the narratives take contrasting approaches. However, both stories incorporate an extraordinary queer character and a plot that is unpredictable in terms of its outcome and conclusion. Apart from these aspects, the two stories differ significantly. "The Yellow Wallpaper" is a more profound and thought-provoking tale, while "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" is filled with humor and amusement, with a subtly conveyed message. Ultimately, both stories feature distinct characters facing similar situations and encountering similar challenges.
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