1. Who is the author? Does he have a reputation? Have you read other books by the same author?
The author of this novel is Charlotte Perkins, an American writer who’s best known for her works relating to gender equality and feminism. Before Herland, I had never heard from her, but now that I have, I’d be interested in reading some of her work, like for instance: The Yellow Wallpaper and Women and Economics.
2. Genre: is the book fiction (a made-up story)? Non-fiction (factual material, such as science or history)? A biography (someone’s life story)?
Herland is a fiction novel, set in an utopian society composed solely of women.
3. What or who is the subject of the book?
The subject is an isolated and unknown land composed of only women, who reproduce by parthenogenesis. Throughout the story, Van and his 2 male colleagues navigate through this peaceful community, learning about their customs, their ways of living, their culture, and more.
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?
Herland has several themes, especially revolving around gender equality and societal progress. Perkins depicts these themes by the creation of an utopian land dominated by women, where they have reached remarkable goals in diverse fields in the absence of men, showcasing that traditional gender roles hinder women from their true potential.
5. If fictional, who are the characters? What happens to them? Does the author make you care for or dislike them? How? Why?
There are multiple characters, each with their own set of characteristics. Some of them are:
Vandyck Jennings: He is the narrator and one of the 3 male explorers. Out of the 3 of them, he is the most open-minded one and is truly intrigued and amazed by the traditions and ways of living in Herland. This quality made him the more likeable explorer.
Terry Nicholson: On the other hand, Terry is the exact opposite; he is the embodiment of the patriarchy. He is against women’s dominance in Herland and is constantly presented with a disrespectful and diminishing attitude towards women and their land in general, which made him the most unlikeable character.
Jeff Margrave: He is the middle point between Van and Terry. At first he was a little distrustful about this new land, but as he got to explore it he became more open-minded towards it, like Van.
6. Do they represent anything, such as ideals or themes that present the author’s message?
Yes, of course. Each of the male explorers represent a side of the spectrum in the topic of gender equality and societal norms. Terry and Van for instance are on completely opposite sides of the spectrum: the former is on the side of the patriarchy views and rejection of Herland, while the latter is the side of acceptance towards this community. Jeff is the middle ground; however, he is more into Van’s side.
7. Does the title represent the theme? In what way?
Yes, it indeed does, as Herland refers directly to a land dominated solely by women in the absence of men, representing the uniqueness of this society where women have been able to achieve a peaceful and prosperous environment leaving behind the traditional gender roles and societal norms.
8. Change the ending of this story and write your own in 100 words, at least.
In an alternative ending to Herland by Charlotte Perkins, just before the explorers are about to leave the land as it was previously planned, they decide to stay and incorporate themselves into the recently discovered society. They realize that their short stay in Herland was not long enough to thoroughly explore the charms of this place and all it has to offer. That’s why they kindly ask the women’s permission to stay with them, as a way to exchange knowledge and skills that will foster a great atmosphere in order to build an even more prosperous, innovative and diverse society.
By Carolina León B., Step 11
