Many readings and interpretations have been made about this short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman since it first saw the light of publicity in 1892. The feminist movement considers it one of its first "literary manifestos", a cry of protest against patriarchy and the oppression of women in married life. Fans of gothic literature include it among the classics of the genre.

Gilman tells us the story of a woman struggling with her inner demons in a world of constraints and discrimination. Following the advice of her highly esteemed doctor husband, she isolates herself in an old mansion for her own "good". However, instead of getting better, she gradually descends into madness.

With its literary elegance, subtle humor, underlying irony, intense symbolism, and provocative themes, "The Yellow Wallpaper" continues to be a contemporary and dangerous work.