"The Yellow Wall-Paper" is a disturbing story of how women were
             treated at the turn of the 20th century. The main character goes slowly
             mad during her stay in the house in the country, and it is easy to see why.
             She is lonely, her husband emotionally abuses her, and she has absolutely
             no one to confide in and nothing to do. She cannot even take care of her
             new baby; there is a nursemaid for that. It is no wonder she goes mad.
             She is a vital woman who needs contact with other people and someone who
             will listen to her without judging or ignoring her pleas.
             This character goes mad because no one will listen to her, and her
             husband often ridicules her feelings and thoughts. She notes early in the
             story, "John laughs at me, of course, but one expects that in marriage"
             (Gilman). It is easy to see from this that she has experienced John's
             ridicule before, and is cynical about marriage and her own relationship.
             She had been institutionalized before too, so her madness is a recurring
             issue, and with John's attitude, it is easy to see why. He simply
             dismisses his wife, when he should be listening to her and supporting her.
             Understanding is far more helpful than ridicule and ignoring what may be
             silent pleas for help. She understands her husband may be her biggest
             problem. She notes, "John is a physician, and perhaps-- (I would not say
             it to a living soul, of course, but this is dead paper and a great relief
             to my mind--) perhaps that is one reason I do not get well faster"
             (Gilman). Clearly, she is a bright and witty woman who is trapped in a
             marriage where no one will listen to her because she is simply a "woman."
             It is also easy to see why this poor woman feels isolated and alone.
             Her husband and her family keep her away from her friends and acquaintances
             in the name of "healing." As she becomes more isolated and depressed she
             states, "And I am alone a good deal ju...