The Yellow Wallpaper

by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

This was actually a short story- and part of a collection. And I have to say, it was one of those pieces that really reflects how an author feels. The Yellow Wallpaper itself was the story of a young wife who is sent to a country home for some "rest." In this home, in her bedroom, is this yellow wallpaper that she becomes obsessed with. It becomes her metaphor. She feels other women in the wallpaper- trapped behind yellowish lines. She understands how the women in the wallpaper feel, and she wants to help them out. The descent into madness is very believable and well-done.

The other short stories in this book also captured my attention, and I found them to be fascinating pieces from an era gone by. I imagine many women back then felt just as Charlotte Perkins Gilman did, and I imagine there are still women today who feel trapped in a situation, and would identify wholly with Gilman's writings. Do I agree with her? Not a chance. I am thrilled with my "station" as a housewife and mother. I don't feel the need to do more- and I certainly don't feel trapped. But I do know it's not for everyone. Even though I do not agree with Ms. Gilman's assessment on wife and motherhood, her writing is fascinating. She captures such emotion in inanimate objects- like the wallpaper. I would likely read more by her if I could find it at my library.