Another Creed
ANOTHER CREED: In this short story, Charlotte Perkins Gilman explores the theme of societal expectations and the oppression of women. The protagonist, who remains unnamed throughout the narrative, is confined to a room by her husband, who believes that she is suffering from nervous exhaustion. Despite her protests and attempts to explain her situation, her husband refuses to listen, instead insisting that she must rest and recover. As the protagonist spends more time in the room, she begins to question her own sanity, as well as the nature of reality itself. She becomes increasingly paranoid and isolated, unable to escape the confines of her prison-like space. The story ends with the protagonist's descent into madness, highlighting the dangers of societal norms and expectations that can lead to the oppression and marginalization of women.
By Charlotte Perkins Gilman · First published 1896 · Genre: Fiction, Social Commentary, Feminism · 275 words
First lines
Another creed! We're all so pleased! A gentle, tentative new creed. We're eased Of all those things we could not quite believe, But would not give the lie to. Now perceive How charmingly this suits us! Science even Has naught against our modern views of Heaven; And yet the most emotional of women May find this creed a warm, deep sea to swim in.
Here's something now so loose and large of fit That all the churches may come under it, And we may see upon the earth once more A church united,-as we had before! Before so much of precious blood was poured That each in his own way might serve the Lord! All wide divergence in sweet union sunk, Like branches growing up into a trunk!
What this Textopian page supports
Another Creed is listed on Textopian as a short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, dated 1896 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Date: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Social Commentary, Feminism
- Length: 275 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Another Creed by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Another Creed?
- How does this short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Man Must Live by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Give Way by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- What Then by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Unsexed by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Why Not by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- The Cart Before The Horse by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Genres
- Fiction — This book is primarily a work of fiction, recounting a story from the point of view of the author.
- Social Commentary — Charlotte Perkins Gilman is known for her exploration of gender roles, which can be seen throughout 'Another Creed'.
- Feminism — The author's work often promotes equality between genders, and this book is no exception.
Tags
feminism · gender roles · society · identity · self-discovery · independence · social critique · women's rights · empowerment · personal growth · cultural norms · psychological exploration