"The Yellow Wallpaper" explores the theme of gender roles, highlighting the oppressive nature of 19th-century societal norms. The story depicts a woman's struggle against the constraints imposed by her husband and society, which ultimately leads to her mental deterioration. Through the protagonist's experience, the story critiques the lack of autonomy and the rigid expectations placed on women, emphasizing the detrimental effects of these gender roles.

The protagonist's husband, John, embodies the patriarchal authority of the time. As a physician, he prescribes the "rest cure" for his wife's postpartum depression, confining her to a room with yellow wallpaper. His approach reflects the masculine perspective on mental health, focusing on physical rest rather than emotional or creative expression. John's treatment of his wife as a child, calling her "little girl," underscores the power imbalance in their relationship and the broader societal view of women as submissive and dependent.

Sometimes I think there are a great many women behind, and sometimes only one, and she crawls around fast, and her crawling shakes it all over. 

The narrator's confinement in the room symbolizes her entrapment within traditional gender roles. Her mental breakdown is exacerbated by her lack of creative outlets, such as writing, which John forbids. The imaginary woman she sees in the wallpaper represents her desire to break free from these constraints. This imagery highlights the internal conflict faced by women who are forced to suppress their identities and ambitions.

John's inability to understand his wife's needs illustrates the disconnect between male and female perspectives on mental health. He believes that physical health will lead to mental well-being, ignoring the importance of personal fulfillment and creative expression. This narrow view contributes to the protagonist's isolation and deteriorating mental state, as her thoughts and feelings are dismissed by her husband.

John is a physician, and perhaps--(I would not say it to a living soul, of course, but this dead paper is a great relief to my mind)--perhaps that is one reason I do not get well faster.

The story contrasts sharply with Gilman's "Herland," where women live in a utopian society free from male dominance. In "The Yellow Wallpaper," the protagonist is oppressed and trapped by her husband's belief that he knows what is best for her. This contrast underscores the restrictive nature of gender roles in "The Yellow Wallpaper," highlighting the need for autonomy and equality in women's lives.