Madwoman in the Attic

"Madwoman in the Attic" is a influential phrase from a book by Sandra Gilbert and Susan Gubar that examines how women writers, especially in the 19th century, used imagery of madness and confinement to express their creativity and challenge societal constraints. It highlights the theme of women being trapped behind metaphorical "attics"—spaces of repression—and how they navigate issues of identity, autonomy, and mental health. The concept underscores the historical and literary context of women’s struggles with self-expression within a patriarchal framework, reflecting broader themes of gender, power, and creativity.