Gilman’s purpose for writing was to make readers think about social roles. She wanted to draw attention to the oppression of women. The author wants to prevent people from going insane under such pressure and raises courage.
Detailed answer:
The reason for writing the story has always intrigued readers. That is why in 1909, Charlotte Gilman published an article Why I Wrote the Yellow Wallpaper in The Forerunner. She revealed her suffering from “a severe and continuous nervous breakdown” for several years. The best doctor in the county prescribed her the rest cure. It did not help her recovery. On the contrary, the author writes that once she returned to work, her condition improved. So, she faced a lack of sympathy and incorrect treatment, like the character of The Yellow Wallpaper.
Her main goal of writing was to rethink the women’s role in American society. The author highlights the need for social life apart from the family and home. She shows the character’s reaction to the pressure of the patriarchal regime. Her mental health decline is a protest to women’s oppression in society and work.
Another writer’s aim was to “save people from being driven crazy” under pointless restrictions. She is determined to show the hazard of the patriarchy mindset. Its effect on family relations and medicine is harmful. Charlotte Gilman pointed out the results of her short story. She mentioned the specialist who changed his treatment of mental illness after reading The Yellow Wallpaper.