Landmark Work

The Yellow Wallpaper

Charlotte Perkins Gilman · 1892 · Short story

Public domain (US)

Author

Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Summary

A woman confined for rest after childbirth becomes fixated on the pattern of her room's wallpaper in a story of confinement and breakdown.

Literary Tradition

American feminist literature

Major Themes

  • Gender
  • Mental health
  • Confinement
  • Agency

Historical Importance

An early and influential feminist story critiquing medical and marital control over women.

Discussion Questions

  • How does the narration shift over the story?
  • What does the wallpaper come to represent?

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