In "The Yellow Wallpaper," writing is a healthy means of self-actualization denied to the narrator. The narrator portrays writing positively in the story, believing that it will help her depression.
Others around her, however, heavily disapprove of her writing, believing it to be a tiring activity. (Because going insane while staring at some ugly wallpaper is so much more restful.)
Questions About Literature and Writing
- Can you read the text as a personal diary? How does this reading affect the way you interpret the story?
- What is the narrator’s attitude towards her writing? What are other people’s attitudes towards her writing?
- Is there a connection between the narrator’s writing and the idea that she is reading the paper on the wall?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
In "The Yellow Wallpaper," the narrator’s rich imagination might have found a productive and healthy outlet in her writing, but being forced to repress her imagination instead leads her to madness.