In Mother-Time

Name: In Mother-Time
Author: Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Mother-Time is a short story written by Charlotte Perkins Gilman in 1890. The story follows the narrator, who is also the protagonist, as she reflects on her life and experiences. The narrator is a middle-aged woman who has been married for many years and has two children. She feels trapped in her domestic routine and longs for freedom and independence. As the narrator reflects on her life, she realizes that she has been living in a state of "mother-time," which is characterized by a sense of monotony and lack of fulfillment. She feels as though she has been stuck in this state for years, unable to escape the demands of her family and household responsibilities. Despite her feelings of frustration and dissatisfaction, the narrator ultimately comes to accept her situation, recognizing that it is a common experience for many women. The story ends with the narrator expressing a sense of resignation and acceptance, suggesting that she has come to terms with her role as a mother and wife. Overall, Mother-Time is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the experiences of middle-aged women in the late 19th century. The story highlights the challenges and limitations faced by women during this time period, while also offering a message of resilience and acceptance.

By Charlotte Perkins Gilman · First published 1899 · Genre: Feminist Literature, Sociological Fiction, Historical Fiction · 324 words

First lines

When woman looks at woman with the glory in her eyes, When eternity lies open like a scroll,

When immortal life is being felt,-the life that never dies,- And the triumph of it ringeth And the sweetness of it singeth In the soul,

What this Textopian page supports

In Mother-Time is listed on Textopian as a short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, dated 1899 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: 1899 CE
Language: English
Genres: Feminist Literature, Sociological Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
Length: 324 words
Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering In Mother-Time?
How does this short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Feminist Literature first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Feminist Literature — Charlotte Perkins Gilman is a key author in feminist literature and her works often promote egalitarianism and critique patriarchal society, thus this book is expected to have a strong feminist angle.
Sociological Fiction — Considering Gilman's other works, it is likely that 'In Mother-Time' also explores sociological themes related to gender roles and societal expectations.
Historical Fiction — The title 'In Mother-Time' may suggest historical contexts and portrayals of different time periods, indicative of historical fiction.
Literary Fiction — Given that the author's influential works are often categorized as literary fiction due to their exploration of societal themes and human conditions, this book is likely to fall into this genre as well.