The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is a short story that explores the mental deterioration of a woman suffering from postpartum depression. The narrator, confined to a room by her husband for “rest cure,” becomes obsessed with the yellow wallpaper in the room. As she spends more time isolated, she begins to imagine that there is a woman trapped within the wallpaper, which mirrors her own feelings of entrapment. The story highlights themes of mental illness, gender roles, and the oppressive treatment of women in the 19th century. Through vivid and unsettling imagery, Gilman explores the damaging effects of isolation and the lack of agency experienced by women. The story is a powerful critique of societal norms and medical practices of the time.
For readers interested in this classic work, it’s easy to download the eBook or download the PDF of The Yellow Wallpaper to explore its haunting narrative.