Women and the Rest Cure in “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Abstract

In the late 1800s postpartum was not defined as a mental illness, but it was thought that women were helpless, incompetent and unstable specially after giving birth. It was claimed that their role becomes unnecessary, since they lose their powers and energy also becoming unable to think straight. Charlotte Perkins Gillman in her short story “The Yellow Wallpaper” described exactly what women felt and thought of during the postpartum period and how their mental and physical health got worse after following “the rest cure” as a treatment. In this research work, postpartum will be defined together with the rest cure; two of the most important themes in the story. The story will be discussed from a gothic point of view and through the lenses of feminism. The aim of this research work is to highlight the fact that with a short story not more than ten pages, Perkins depiction of postpartum and the impossibility to be cured through the imposed rest, that was supposed to make things better, succeeded to call many male doctors to reconsider their postpartum diagnosis and give up “the rest cure”. This research also aims at demonstrating that with a feminine Gothic voice, Perkins contributed to make women and mothers’ lives better