First published by Charlotte Perkins Gilman in January 1892 in The New England Magazine, The Yellow Wallpaper is a short story of extraordinary power, exploring issues of mental health, the role of women in society and the oppressive nature of the patriarchy. Told in the first person, the story follows the plight of a woman confined by her husband in a small room in and old mansion - ostensibly for her own good. As her boredom increases and her sanity deteriorates, she becomes fixated on the wallpaper in the room, the yellow design of which includes an image of a trapped woman. Reflecting themes of oppression, the subjugation of women and the sexism of the late 19th century, this story has been reproduced in numerous textbooks, anthologies and feminist literary collections for over a century and has been hailed as one of the early triumphs of Gothic literature.
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Charlotte Perkins Gilman (1860–1935) gained much of her fame with lectures on women’s issues, ethics, labor, human rights, and social reform. She often referred to these themes in her fiction. She is best remembered for her 1892 short story “The Yellow Wallpaper,” based on her own bout with severe postpartum depression and misguided medical treatment.
Emily Brontë (1818–1848), sister of Anne and Charlotte, published only one novel in her career, Wuthering Heights. Though she died just one year after its publication and never knew of its success, the story of doomed love and revenge went on to earn its place among the masterpieces of English literature.