Book
Review by Luciano Ferrato
Herland,
written by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, is a masterful combination of a utopian
sci-fi novel where she distinctly grapples with the idea of a true utopia only
containing women. From the first page I am enthralled by the instant imagery of
a lost land that resists documentation. Three main characters, Van, Terry, and
Jeff, travel to a utopia of athletic, intelligent, and understanding women.
There, they come to question the fashion in which their own society functions
and its tolerances of inequality, disease, and hate. From the first chapter the
men’s callous stereotypical conjecture of “that country-if there was one—was
just blossoming with roses and babies and canaries and tidies…[or] a sort of
sublimed summer resort—just Girls and Girls and Girls” (Gilman 133). Gilman’s
language engrosses me as she creates a realistic dialogue that carries the tone
of man’s stereotypical presumptions and ignorance of a female society. In the
presence of equality, the male characters societal standards and beliefs
discredit their character highlighting man’s flaws. Gilman challenges the
societal beliefs and perception of women as subservient to men, their naïve lesser,
weaker, and dependent on their strength and insight through a direct and
meticulous comparison through a reality that explores women’s full potential. Gilman’s
novel is a highlight of my readings this year for its twist on traditional
utopian novels and the societal connotations concerning the oppression of women
and their potential when free from constrains of cultural marginalization and
subservience to men. This novel is a necessary read for those who wish to
inspect the culture we live in and question the putrid facets of our society
and why we tolerate them. Its exploration of stigmas and stereotypes affiliated
with women is perfect for those delving into their own beliefs and looking at
their origins and potential implicit unjustness. Overall, this is a wonderful
novel, stimulating the brain and imagination alike through its provocative
suggestions. It is easily imaginable through its meticulous and vivid language transpiring
into a cognitive feast for the brain and an evocative novel for women, men, and
others alike.
Works Cited
Gilman, Charlotte Perkins. The Yellow Wallpaper and Other
Writings. Random House Publishing Group, 2000.
No comments:
Post a Comment