Major Issues
Author Links
Essay Questions

Major Issues

Charlotte Perkins Gilman was an important turn of the 20th century feminist intellectual and writer. Her critique of patriarchal institutions, including 19th century marriage, medicine, and politics, underlines both her nonfiction and fiction writing. In particular, Gilman objected to women’s enforced domesticity and prohibition from intellectual activities. Late 20th century feminist scholars have been very interested in Gilman’s unconventional life and ideas. In addition to Gilman’s feminist themes, critics have studied the Gothic Horror elements in her short stories. Scholars note that Gilman’s employment of an unreliable, increasingly insane narrator, in combination with a diary-narrative format, is particularly effective—and chilling—in her most famous story, "The Yellow Wallpaper."

Author Links

Charlotte Perkins Gilman
This site contains a short biography, long bibliography, and links to other resources. Click on criticism and scroll down to find scholarly essays on "The Yellow Wallpaper."

The Yellow Wallpaper
You can listen to a radio-play adaptation of Gilman’s story at this site.

Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Extensive biographical essay examining Gilman’s feminism and accomplishments.

Charlotte Perkins Gilman: 1860-1935
This bio-critical essay focuses on Gilman’s personal and literary efforts to improve the status of women in her time.

Why I wrote "The Yellow Wallpaper"
Gilman’s 1913 written reply to this often asked question.