Isolation in ‘The Yellow Wallpaper

Francesca Strand (SU L6)

The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is renowned as an important piece of early feminist literature, with Gilman paving the way for future influential feminist writers such as Sylvia Plath and Alice Walker. Initially published in 1892 in The New England Magazine, this semi-autobiographical short story touches upon the challenges of being a woman in the 19th century, with a sharp focus on the attitudes towards the physical and mental health of women at the time. During this period, society was heavily dominated by men, with women being viewed as weak and fragile; Gilman aimed to challenge this idea not only through the piece of literature itself, but the act of writing it too. Gilman explained that the true purpose of writing the story was to reach Dr S. Weir Mitchell, a well-known specialist physician, and convince him of his error: he had prescribed Gilman a similar treatment of isolation to the one depicted in her work, where she was forbidden from using a pen, pencil, or brush, and was only permitted two hours of mental stimulation a day. Thus, through writing this piece, she actively challenged her diagnosis and poor treatment.

The story depicts an unnamed woman, who is prescribed a ‘rest cure’ for what her physician husband describes as being a ‘temporary nervous depression – a slight hysterical tendency’, which is now understood to be post-natal depression. In an attempt to cure her of this illness, she is isolated in a nursery with a hideous yellow wallpaper – which becomes symbolic of her descent into a state of insanity. Without a creative outlet or sufficient social interaction, the narrator’s mental state gradually deteriorates. This is ultimately demonstrated by the haunting imagery of the wallpaper – as she describes how the women are ‘creeping about behind that pattern’, expressing her wish to escape from the room. The story concludes quite ambiguously, as her husband comes to her room to visit, and upon opening the door he faints, and the narrator makes her escape. However, it’s difficult to decide whether she escaped and achieved freedom from her isolation, or if she finally collapsed into a state of madness.

Regarding the current situation that the world is facing, I feel as though this story is particularly pertinent. It clearly demonstrates the detrimental impact of isolation upon mental health – a growing issue – as many people face solitude due to imposed restrictions. Furthermore, Gilman discusses the suppression of female voices, since women of the time who displayed ambition were viewed as putting themselves at risk of mental illness. Whilst we have generally progressed from these oppressive ideas, it is clear that there is still necessary work to do on a global scale. However, regardless of present circumstances, this piece of literature is essential in illustrating the trials and tribulations that women of the 19th century faced. Thus, to hold a positive outlook, The Yellow Wallpaper highlights the progress made within modern society, as these views are now widely rejected.