Book Review: Charlotte Perkins Gilman – The Yellow Wallpaper (and Other Stories)
In this review, I’ll take a closer look at these four stories, examining their themes, characters, and the eerie atmosphere that ties them together. Whether you’re a fan of feminist literature, gothic fiction, or simply enjoy a good spine-tingling read, Gilman’s work is sure to leave a lasting impression.
The Yellow Wallpaper: A Feminist Masterpiece
First published in 1892, The Yellow Wallpaper is widely regarded as one of the most important works of feminist literature. This semi-autobiographical story delves into themes of gender roles, mental health, and the oppressive nature of marriage. It’s a chilling and deeply unsettling narrative that continues to resonate with readers over a century later.
The story is presented as a series of journal entries written by an unnamed woman suffering from postpartum depression. Her physician husband, John, prescribes a “rest cure,” confining her to a secluded country house and forbidding her from writing or engaging in any stimulating activity. As the days pass, the narrator becomes increasingly obsessed with the yellow wallpaper in her bedroom, which she describes as “repellent, almost revolting.” The wallpaper’s chaotic patterns begin to take on a life of their own, reflecting her deteriorating mental state.
What makes The Yellow Wallpaper so powerful is its critique of the medical and societal treatment of women during the 19th century. Gilman herself experienced a similar “rest cure” prescribed by her doctor, which inspired her to write this story. In a 1913 essay titled Why I Wrote The Yellow Wallpaper, she revealed that the story was intended to expose the dangers of such treatments and the silencing of women’s voices.
The story’s unsettling atmosphere builds gradually, culminating in a shocking and unforgettable conclusion. It’s a tale that lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished reading, prompting reflection on the ways society controls and marginalizes women. As I noted in my reading journal, The Yellow Wallpaper is “as disturbing as it is beautiful.”
It is also one of the most frequently taught texts in top universities across the World, often featured in literature and gender studies courses.
See also: 100 Books University Students Read Around the World
When I Was a Witch: A Darkly Humorous Tale
In contrast to the somber tone of The Yellow Wallpaper, When I Was a Witch offers a darkly humorous take on societal issues. The story follows a woman who discovers she has the power to make her wishes come true. Armed with this newfound ability, she sets out to “fix” the injustices she sees around her in New York City.
The results are both hilarious and thought-provoking. For instance, she wishes that parrots would openly express their true thoughts about their owners, leading to some laugh-out-loud moments. One parrot bluntly tells its owner, “You were born a pig, raised a pig, and your nature and education are piggish!” The story’s satirical edge makes it a delightful read, even as it critiques societal norms and human behavior.
The Giant Wistaria and The Rocking Chair: Gothic Tales with a Feminist Twist
Both The Giant Wistaria and The Rocking Chair fall squarely into the gothic tradition, complete with eerie settings, ghostly figures, and a sense of creeping dread. What sets these stories apart is their focus on female characters, who often serve as symbols of repressed histories and unspoken truths.
In The Giant Wistaria, a group of young couples rents an old, supposedly haunted house for a vacation. As they uncover the house’s dark secrets, they stumble upon a chilling tale of a woman’s tragic fate, intertwined with the property’s history. The story is a masterclass in building suspense, with its lush descriptions and unsettling atmosphere.
Similarly, The Rocking Chair revolves around a mysterious golden-haired girl who appears in a rocking chair by a window. The catch? She’s only visible from the outside. When the characters enter the room, she vanishes, leaving them—and the reader—questioning what is real and what is imagined. This blend of the supernatural and psychological makes for a gripping read.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Read Collection
Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s The Yellow Wallpaper and her other stories are more than just tales of horror or feminist critique—they are profound explorations of the human condition, particularly the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal world. Each story is meticulously crafted, with rich imagery, complex characters, and themes that remain relevant today.
In the end, Gilman’s work reminds us that the most terrifying stories are often those rooted in reality. As I concluded in my notes, The Yellow Wallpaper is “a story that is as disturbing as it is beautiful.” The same can be said for the entire collection—each story leaves a lasting impression, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about society, identity, and the human psyche.
