Literary analysis: yellow wallpaper. The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is a captivating and thought-provoking short story that explores the complexities of mental illness, gender inequality, and societal expectations. Written in the 18th century, the story remains relevant today and continues to spark sparks. The Yellow Wallpaper Study Guide prepared by our editorial team is an extensive collection of materials necessary for understanding Gilman's most famous short story. In addition to the summary and analysis of The Yellow Wallpaper, here you will find brief reviews of the key themes, symbols, and literary devices used in the story. Charlotte Perkins Gilman addresses attitudes regarding gender and mental health in a short story: “Yellow Wallpaper. » Through her journal entries, Gilman illustrates the life of a woman we assume to be named Jane, who traveled to a colonial mansion with her doctor husband, John, in order to relieve her illness.