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A review by izasballad
The Yellow Wall-Paper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
5.0
This edition also featured ‘The Rocking Chair’ and ‘Old Water.’ I loved this book. It was a thought-provoking read, tackling a range of themes, including patriarchy, mental health, obsession, and more. I admire authors who can pack so much depth into a short story, and Charlotte Gilman truly delivered. No wonder this is a classic!
"The Yellow Wall-Paper" shows us what can happen when we are denied agency. Moreover, it shows how downplaying mental illness can exacerbate the situation. The narrator's psychological decline is demonstrated throughout the story. Her mental health has been deteriorating, but her husband who is a doctor, continues to downplay it. He brushes off her interests and concerns while continuing to give her medication— completely taking control of her. She was confined both mentally and physically, every self-expression and power over her life has been removed, which creates a pathway to her downward spiral. The short story was not only powerful but also showcased Gilman's masterful use of language and symbolism
"The Rocking Chair" didn't stand out to me, but I do like the seemingly mocking tone it has on men obsessing over women. This obsession and jealousy between the two men became their downfall. It shows how obsession and desire can lead to destruction.
"Old Water" has similar themes to the aforementioned. I enjoyed this more than "The Rocking Chair." I don't want to delve into this more to avoid spoilers because the ending shocked me (but it was well-deserved LOL).
"The Yellow Wall-Paper" shows us what can happen when we are denied agency. Moreover, it shows how downplaying mental illness can exacerbate the situation. The narrator's psychological decline is demonstrated throughout the story. Her mental health has been deteriorating, but her husband who is a doctor, continues to downplay it. He brushes off her interests and concerns while continuing to give her medication— completely taking control of her. She was confined both mentally and physically, every self-expression and power over her life has been removed, which creates a pathway to her downward spiral. The short story was not only powerful but also showcased Gilman's masterful use of language and symbolism
"The Rocking Chair" didn't stand out to me, but I do like the seemingly mocking tone it has on men obsessing over women. This obsession and jealousy between the two men became their downfall. It shows how obsession and desire can lead to destruction.
"Old Water" has similar themes to the aforementioned. I enjoyed this more than "The Rocking Chair." I don't want to delve into this more to avoid spoilers because the ending shocked me (but it was well-deserved LOL).