1. Who is the author? Does she have a reputation? Have you read other books by the same author?
Charlotte Perkins Gilman, the author, was an influential white feminist, social reformer and writer. In the 1890s, Gilman published three works that solidified her reputation as both a major American writer and a groundbreaking feminist theorist. Her reputation declined in the years before her death; however, the advent of the women's movement in the 1960s brought about a revival of attention to her work. As a response to the last question: no, we haven’t read any book of hers.
2. Genre: is the book fiction or nonfiction?
Herland can be described as an utopian fictional novel, which focuses on a world with a single gender, in this case women.
3. What is the subject of the book?
Powerful women in charge of the society.
4. Does the book have a central theme or message? If so, what is it? Does the book present the theme in a way that helps a person understand it?
The central message of the story is the potential of a society where women hold all the power. During this tale, Gilman describes women as strong human beings that are capable of many things we, as actual society, don’t think they are. Yes, the book presents the theme in a way it helps us understand it and even encourages us to question societal norms and consider alternative possibilities.
5. If fictional, who are the characters? What happens to them? Does the author make you care for or dislike them? How? Why?
The story follow a group or three men, Vandyck “Van'' Jennings (the narrator), Terry O. Nicholson (a wealthy misogynist and adventurer) and Jeff Margrave (an overall nice guy who idolized women).
Consequently, the portrayal of each character can be described as:
Empathy towards Van, as he starts to become more curious about the society and gradually changes his ideas throughout the story.
Terry is portrayed negatively as he represents an inflexible masculine stereotype, which leads to harmful consequences for the overall development of the story.
Jeff, can give us a refreshing or/and frustrating development, since the skepticism at the beginning slowly transforms into admiration and curiosity towards the women and society in Herland.
6. Do they represent anything, such as ideals or themes that present the author’s message?
The author uses these three characters to express and convey her ideals regarding gender norms and patriarchy by juxtaproposing the attitudes and values in each character. While Van and Jeff are an example of the progress of thought in gender roles and an equitable society, Terry is portrayed as the negative objectivism towards women we see in our current normality.
7. Does the title represent the theme? In what way?
Yes, because by “Herland”, the title tells us that the story is about a land or territory that belongs only to women.
8. Change the ending of this story and write your own in 100 words, at least.
At the end of the story Herland, the three men: Van, Terry and Jeff dared to challenge the established order, seeking to overturn the matriarchal leadership. However, their rebellion was fastly frustrated by a trio of skilled women: Ivanna, Teresa and Jeniffer. With precision and determination, they orchestrated the demise of the usurper rebellions, ensuring the preservation of Herland's harmonious structure. The news spread like wildfire, sending a clear message to any who dared question the authority of women in their society. Order was restored, and the legacy of Herland's female leaders remained unchallenged, a testament to their unwavering strength and unity.
