In "The Yellow Wallpaper," the wallpaper itself symbolizes the oppression and confinement experienced by the narrator. Its intricate patterns represent the complexities of her mental state and societal expectations placed on women during the late 19th century. As she becomes increasingly obsessed with the wallpaper, it reflects her struggle for identity and freedom. The room where the narrator is confined symbolizes the domestic space that restricts her autonomy. This setting highlights the theme of mental illness and the lack of understanding surrounding it. Ultimately, both the wallpaper and the room serve as powerful symbols of the constraints imposed on women in a patriarchal society.