The Yellowish Essay

I never thought I would be so intrigued by a piece of literature on yellow wallpaper. However, I would have to say that "The Yellow Wallpaper" is my favorite piece so far in class. It is almost impossible to believe how one person could obsess so much about such an intangible topic! What I find most striking is the way Gilman is able to write so beautifully while talking about the ugly and disturbing wallpaper. I believe she writes so magnificently about the wallpaper because of the fact that it is an obsession. Her best descriptions, metaphors and word usages overall come when she is describing the hideous paper! She is entirely focused on one object, one idea if you will, and writes passionately and to the extreme on this subject. Honestly, this reminds me of writing an essay. Gilman places all of her attention, focus and passion into the wallpaper and studies it in such impeccable detail that it is no wonder she writes so passionately. One of my favorite parts of Gilman's explanation of the wallpaper is when she declares it is "One of those sprawling flamboyant patterns committing every artistic sin" (1). Another beautiful line is when Gilman describes the patterns in the wallpaper, saying, "when you follow the lame uncertain curves for a little distance they suddenly commit suicide--plunge off at outrageous angles, destroy themselves in unheard contradictions" (2).

I believe writing an essay is this same type of process. A writer must focus on one idea and base her essay on, around, underneath, on top of, etc. this idea. The idea must consume you, like this yellow wallpaper has consumed Gilman. Let it take over, if you will, and even if you despise the topic you are writing on, you may just surprise yourself by writing a beautiful masterpiece.