Parallelism is a repetition of words, phrases, or sentences that have the same grammatical structure or that express a similar idea. We first see the phrase “what can be done” when the protagonist describes her husband's insensitivity towards her illness. He says “See, he doesn't think I'm sick! And what can be done?” She goes on to describe how her husband reassured relatives that he has "temporary nervous depression - a slight hysterical tendency - what is to be done?" He finally confides in his disapproval of the treatment and his insensitivity, but changes his mind and goes on to say “but what can be done” (Gilman, “The Yellow Wallpaper” 1)? The repetition of the phrase creates an emotional effect on readers, especially female readers. Gilman uses the repetition of such a phrase to create a sense of helplessness and to show how much John has an effect on the main character's mind. Throughout the passage, the reader can constantly see the main character wanting one thing then having her change her mind. Repeats phrases like “but John says” or “but John laughs”. (Gilman, “The Yellow Wallpaper” 2). A clear example of this is shown when the narrator says, "Sometimes I imagine that, in my condition, if I had less opposition and more society and stimulation - but John says the worst thing I can do is think