An overview of the reactions to and interpretations of Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s The Yellow Wallpaper.
Examining this controversial piece of writing which was published at the end of the 19th century. The piece is written by a middle class woman about her experience in marriage, during birth and the emotional struggles thereafter. The paper shows how it was a step towards declaring one’s independence and feminism and how this was shunned by many. This paper looks at the public’s reactions to The Yellow Wallpaper and their criticism thereof.
Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s short story, The Yellow Wallpaper, published toward the end of the 19th century, left its initial audience’s opinion divided. Some praised the work, while others felt that it should never have been printed. In fact, the publisher of The Atlantic Monthly in 1892, Horace Scudder, responded to Gilman’s attempt at publication with a short, to the point note. Dear Madam, Mr. Howells has handed me this story. I could not forgive myself if I made others as miserable as I have made myself! Sincerely yours, H. E. Scudder (University of Texas).