Emily demonstrates this by refusing to follow suit with her immediate community. Emily's refusal to have her home numbers dialed in and to pay taxes are both indicative of her self-sacrifice in conforming to society and the choices forced upon her by others. Similarly in “The Yellow Wallpaper” the woman who has been told to do nothing but rest and avoid any form of stimulation continues to secretly write: “And I know John would think it absurd. But I have to say what I feel and think somehow: it's such a relief” (66), using it as a means to rebel against her husband who believes he knows what is best for her and her fragile condition. When he states, “And I took out most of the paper, so you can't put me back!” this clearly shows that she doesn't need anyone to help her. That she is in control and doesn't have to respect the boundaries set by her husband or anyone else who thinks they know better than her