How “The Yellow Wallpaper” Critiques Medical Practices for Women in the 19th Century
How “The Yellow Wallpaper” Critiques Medical Practices for Women in the 19th Century
In The Yellow Wallpaper, Charlotte Perkins Gilman critiques the medical practices for women in the 19th century, particularly the rest cure that was widely prescribed for women suffering from mental health issues. The rest cure, which emphasized isolation, inactivity, and a complete withdrawal from intellectual or creative activities, was believed to be the solution for what was commonly diagnosed as “hysteria” or “nervous conditions.” However, as Gilman illustrates through the protagonist’s experience, this treatment not only failed to heal her but exacerbated her condition, leading to a complete psychological breakdown.
The protagonist’s treatment by her husband, John, is emblematic of the medical practices of the time. John, a physician, insists that his wife follow the rest cure, despite her growing sense of discomfort and distress. He confines her to a room, forbids her from writing or reading, and treats her as though she is incapable of making decisions for herself. His actions reflect the paternalistic attitudes of the medical profession toward women, who were often seen as fragile and in need of constant supervision. Rather than being treated as an individual with agency, the protagonist is infantilized, and her needs and desires are ignored. This medical approach, which focused on passive compliance, reflects the broader societal view of women as weak and incapable of managing their own health.
The rest cure, as depicted in The Yellow Wallpaper, is a clear critique of the way women’s mental health was treated during the 19th century. Instead of providing the protagonist with an environment where she could engage intellectually and emotionally, the treatment isolates her and reinforces her feelings of powerlessness. Her obsession with the wallpaper symbolizes the lack of agency and self-expression that the rest cure imposes on her. Gilman uses this treatment to demonstrate how the medical profession failed to understand the psychological needs of women and, in doing so, perpetuated their suffering.
In conclusion, The Yellow Wallpaper critiques the medical practices for women in the 19th century, particularly the rest cure. Through the protagonist’s experience, Gilman shows how this treatment not only failed to address women’s mental health issues but actually worsened them. The story exposes the harmful effects of a medical system that dismissed women’s voices and reinforced gendered power dynamics, and calls for a more compassionate and individualized approach to women’s health.
