To a Good Many
The work presents a passionate call to humanity, urging individuals to recognize their potential beyond mere survival. It critiques a complacent existence, likening it to that of animals, and emphasizes the importance of striving for a higher purpose. The text suggests that humans possess unique consciousness and power, which should be harnessed to contribute to a greater divine plan. It challenges the notion that life’s purpose is fulfilled by simply reproducing and maintaining the status quo. Instead, it advocates for an active role in the evolution of society and the betterment of humanity. The author implores readers to rise above their limitations, to embrace their responsibilities in shaping a more enlightened and progressive world. The work envisions a future where individuals work collectively towards a higher form of existence, fostering new capabilities and responsibilities. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of personal growth and societal advancement, urging a commitment to the ongoing development of humanity. The overarching message is one of empowerment, encouraging individuals to participate in the unfolding of a divine plan that transcends their immediate lives, ultimately contributing to the creation of a more just and harmonious society.
By Charlotte Perkins Gilman · First published 1892 · Genre: Fiction, Literature, Feminist Literature · 390 words
First lines
O blind and selfish! Helpless as the beast Who sees no meaning in a soul released And given flesh to grow in-to work through! Think you that God has nothing else to do Than babble endlessly the same set phrase? Are life's great spreading, upward-reaching ways Laid for the beasts to climb on till the top Is reached in you, you think, and there you stop! They were raised up, obedient to force Which lifted them, unwitting of their course. You have new power, new consciousness, new sight; You can help God! You stand in the great light Of seeing him at work. You can go on And walk with him, and feel the glory won. And here you sit, content to toil and strive To keep your kind of animal alive! Why, friends! God is not through! The universe is not complete in you. You're just as bound to follow out his plan And sink yourself in ever-growing Man As ever were the earliest, crudest eggs To grow to vertebrates with arms and legs. Society holds not its present height Merely that you may bring a child to light; But you and yours live only in the plan That's working out a higher kind of man; A higher kind of life, that shall let grow New powers and nobler duties than you know. Rise to the thought! Live in the widening race! Help make the State more like God's dwelling-place! New paths for life divine, as yet untrod,- A social body for the soul of God!
What this Textopian page supports
To a Good Many is listed on Textopian as a short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, dated 1892 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: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Literature, Feminist Literature, Social Commentary, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 390 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for To a Good Many 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
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering To a Good Many?
- 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?
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Genres
- Fiction — As the book is written by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, it is likely to fall under the 'Fiction' genre due to the author's well-known style of storytelling and use of fictional characters and plots.
- Literature — Given the author's historical significance and acclaimed writing style, the book can be classified as 'Literature'.
- Feminist Literature — Considering Charlotte Perkins Gilman's legacy as a notable feminist writer, it would not be out of place to categorize this book under the 'Feminist Literature' genre.
- Social Commentary — Titles by Gilman often provide commentary on societal behavior and norms, thus making 'Social Commentary' a relevant genre.
Tags
feminism · social criticism · gender roles · women's rights · early 20th century · literary analysis · short story · American literature · psychological insight · identity · social norms · personal struggle