The Yellow Wallpaper

Throughout my reading of “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, the theme of feminism was very heavy. You can see instances throughout the story where the apparent divide between male and female is seen. For example when her husband, John, says “she shall be as sick as she pleases”, he conveys a strong sense of linkage between psychosis and female natural disposition (Gillman 2). I feel like this is Gillman's way of expressing the attitudes towards women during her lifetime and her frustration. I also really found it interesting to note many occurrences of self-loathing and a resignation to the circumstances in passages such as ""I meant to be such a help to John, such a real rest and comfort, and here I am a comparative burden already" (Gillman 3).

One interesting think I noticed given my interest in healthcare was the progression of diagnosis from the era in which the book was written till now. The story mentions the "rest cure" which was geared towards women who had mental disorders. They were forced and coerced to rest and eat until they were back to a healthy state. It was thought that these disease was due to low blood levels in the body and poor nutrition. It is also implied in the story that nervous strain is a result brain over thinking and overworking on things that weren't deemed necessary to for women to do. We now know in the medical field that such an idea is completely wrong and misguided. Nonetheless, it is fascinating to know that at point, such hypotheses and diagnoses were vastly accepted. This can also be seen from her self defeating tone throughout the story.