College of
Business
Administration
College of
Business
Administration
Herland
1) Van provides the following descriptions of the main characters (p. 9): "Jeff idealized women in the best Southern style. He was full of chivalry and sentiment, and all that." "Terry's idea seemed to be that pretty women were just so much game and homely ones not worth considering." "I held a middle ground, highly scientific, of course, and used to argue learnedly about the physiological limitations of the sex."
Which of these men held a true opinion of the women of his day? Which views were most helpful in adapting to the culture of Herland?2) When considering the educational process, Van makes the following comment (p. 72): "Those nation-loved children of theirs compared with the average in our country as the most perfectly cultivated, richly developed roses compare with - tumbleweeds."
Was the treatment of children described in Herland typical of the early 1900's? Is there a society today that cherishes its children, considers them a national asset? What will be the likely effect of this type of nurturing?3) Van defines patriotism as follows (p. 94): "Patriotism, red hot, is compatible with the existence of a neglect of national interest, a dishonesty, a cold indifference to the suffering of millions. Patriotism is largely pride, and very largely combativeness. Patriotism generally has a chip on its shoulder."
Do you agree with his assessment? Why or why not?4) Van credits their problems in marriage to a lack of tradition (p. 122): "You see, in any other imaginable marriage among the peoples of the earth, whether the woman were black, red, yellow, brown, or white; whether she were ignorant or educated, submissive or rebellious, she would have behind her the marriage tradition of our general history. This tradition relates the woman to the man. He goes on with his business, and she adapts herself to him and to it."
Does this describe a typical marriage today? Why or why not?5) The views and beliefs of the three men in Herland are generally discounted throughout the story.
Can you think of a time when you felt marginalized? Describe the situation and your feelings at the time.6) In the book of Genesis, Eve ate the apple and tempted Adam.
Do you think our society would be different if Adam had eaten the apple himself? Would this change our view of life?7) In France, one of the most important issues currently being debated is parity in politics (quotas for men and women). In 1981, the Socialist government proposed a law to introduce parity, but it was declared unconstitutional. The people of France are still divided on this issue. Some people think that promoting women in politics based on quotas is humiliating. Others think that it would provide a chance for women to show what they are capable of doing. Still others think that introducing quotas into politics would have dangerous consequences.
What do you think about this law?8) Male violence against women is understood alternatively as "an expression of patriarchy that is reinforced by economic, familial, and cultural arrangements", male sexuality or a result of the gendered division of labor.
Do you believe that this type of violence is biologically or socially based? How would your utopia solve this gender conflict?9) How would diversity play a role in your utopia? How would you prevent violence and discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, or age?
10) Is heaven for everyone?
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