Omar Azam
Two Cultures Problem
Prof. Alder
1992-93
"Death Don't Scare Me"
The effect that Herland had upon me was double-edged. The novel does make a lot of sense, and Gilman's appeal to common sense makes it seem possible that our world may ultimately have the practicality and beauty of a "Herland." But then again, isn't the ideat of a "Herland" practically unnecessary since parthogenesis does not occur?
Gilman's narrator answers this question gradually throughout the book, and explicitly on page 141: "After I got over the jar to my pride,...I found that loving 'up' was a very good sensation after all." He then goes on to merit the strength and independence of Herland Women. The importance of Herland to us does not lie in parthogenesis; what Gilman is saying is that men should loosen their instinctual grip on every institution of society, and should let women manage some things, because they can do so better.
Herland is managed better than any land during Gilman's time or during the present one. Herland is so beautiful, so perfect because it has realized that man's major obstacle is not evil, nor himself, nor nature; the obstacle, or greed that man has to overcome is his own immortality, i.e. the imperfection of his biology. Herland women realize that they will not live forever, nor will their institutions or traditions. What they have realized, or more precisely after two millenia, what they inherently believe is the sacred quality of the future, and of children. This is why they cooperate so well, why a common bond is had, and why a common purpose has evolved.
Motherhood is given utmost importance and reverence because it is what makes the future possible. The most important biological reality that the women of Herland face fearlessly is death. The women of Herland know that they will die, but this knowledge of mortality does not make them greedier. They do not want to live forever on earth, because they are confident that their children can be better than themselves. This acceptance of mortality is extremely important to Herland; immortality through children is not only a biological fact to the women, but a spiritual reality, and a law of social change and social improvement. Therefore, biology plays a key role in the success of Herland. Biological optimism (the lack of fear in physical mortality), and its ramifications are what make Herland such a peaceful and uplifting place.
Copyright 2002 Omar Azam