The Yellow Wallpaper is a deeply uncomfortable story about mania, postpartum depression, and gaslighting. Despite the incredibly short length, the subject matter packs a very heavy punch. It's obvious why this story is considered a feminist classic; The Yellow Wallpaper allows readers to empathize with a woman experiencing intense mental strife. Not only that, but her pain is never taken seriously. And her one connection to the world is her emotionally distant and patronizing husband who controls every aspect of her life. I felt so much empathy and discomfort while reading this.

Lastly, the edition that I read included a selection of Perkins Gilman's poetry. While not nearly as well done and readable as The Yellow Wallpaper, the poems do contextualize the story.