Herland is a utopian novel written by Charlotte Perkins Gilman and published in 1915. It tells the story of three male explorers from the United States who discover a hidden society composed entirely of women. The women of Herland have lived in isolation for centuries, and have developed a peaceful, matriarchal society with no knowledge of war or violence. The three men are initially shocked by the strange society they have discovered, but soon come to admire the women's intelligence, strength, and resourcefulness. They also learn that the women of Herland have developed a unique form of reproduction that does not require men. The men eventually come to understand the value of the Herland society and its matriarchal structure, and they attempt to introduce the women to the outside world. However, the women are reluctant to leave their peaceful society and embrace the chaos of the outside world. The novel is an exploration of gender roles and the potential of a matriarchal society. It is also a critique of the patriarchal society of the early 20th century.
By Charlotte Perkins Gilman · First published 1979 · Genre: Utopian Fiction, Feminist Literature, Science Fiction · 12 chapters