Gilman critiques the widely practiced "rest cure" for women diagnosed with "hysteria" or nervous disorders. The protagonist in "The Yellow Wallpaper," confined to a room with nothing but the unsettling yellow wallpaper to occupy her, embodies the cure's failure. Instead of promoting healing, the forced inactivity and isolation exacerbate her mental deterioration, highlighting the inadequacy and even harmfulness of this prevalent medical approach.

Throughout the collection, Gilman exposes the stifling reality of women trapped in domestic spheres. Depicted as subservient to men and expected to fulfill societal expectations of wife and mother, these characters are denied agency and intellectual stimulation. Their stories highlight the frustrating limitations placed upon women and the psychological toll of their confined existence.

Despite their oppression, the women in Gilman's stories find ways to express themselves and challenge societal norms. Whether through writing, like the protagonist in "The Yellow Wallpaper," or through subversive actions, these characters resist their confinement and strive for autonomy. This theme underscores Gilman's belief in the importance of female expression and the need for women to break free from societal constraints.