There’s a line early on in Gibberish Mostly which references The Yellow Wallpaper. Most in the cast weren’t familiar with this story by Charlotte Perkins Stetson.
I can’t believe it was written in 1892. Still feels remarkably timely and relevant, as sad as that is to say.
It’s a wonderful, subversive, terrifying piece of feminist literature. And its rhythm and pacing are those of a horror film. It’s creepy and tense with a killer payoff. A few snippets:
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.
You see, he does not believe I am sick!
And what can one do?
If a physician of high standing, and one’s own husband, assures friends and relatives that there is really nothing the matter with one but temporary nervous depression,—a slight hysterical tendency,—what is one to do?
My brother is also a physician, and also of high standing, and he says the same thing. . . . . .
John is away all day, and even some nights when his cases are serious.
I am glad my case is not serious! . . . . .
John says I mustn’t lose my strength, and has me take cod-liver oil and lots of tonics and things, to say nothing of ale and wine and rare meat. . . . . .
It is so hard to talk with John about my case, because he is so wise, and because he loves me so.
I was going to say that I can’t believe it hasn’t been made into a film, but then I saw this. Eight variations in TV and film, the most recent done last year.
Anyway, I’m glad we got a chance to discuss this and I was reminded how great a story it is. One of my all-time favorites.
