The Tell Tale Heart and The Yellow Wallpaper

"The Tell Tale Heart" and "The Yellow Wallpaper" similarly present female characters who suffer from mental illnesses. These women are conscious of their illness and fully accept their condition. I found this consciousness as well as their clear understanding of their mental state quite disturbing. These women, defined by their insanity, are comfortable with their conditions, accepting it fully and acting normally upon its effects. Though insane, the calmness of their tones as well as their rational perceptions of their surroundings almost makes it seem as if they are not insane at all. Because we see the plot progression through the eyes of the insane, it is easier to understand the reasoning behind the actions they commit. Their obsessive behavior becomes more understandable and their actions become more justifiable. 

These stories demonstrate the importance of perception, or "point of view." I had never read a story through the point of view of someone who suffers from a mental illness. All of what I have read have been stories that assess the mentally insane without insight into their minds. Because I was forced to look through the eyes of the insane and see their perceptions of reality, I was able to realize just how sane the insane believe they are. This thought, that those diagnosed with mental illness can be conscious of their condition and regard it as if it is normal, instilled a great fear within me. How are we to brand those who seem unstable on the surface with a permanent marker of insanity when what lies within could hold so much more?