What Then?
The novel is a dystopian tale set in a future where technology has advanced to the point of near-singularity. The story follows a young protagonist who begins to question the nature of reality and the true intentions of their society's leaders. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover a dark conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of their world. The novel explores themes of free will, artificial intelligence, and the consequences of unchecked technological advancement. Through a series of events, the protagonist must navigate a complex web of intrigue and deception to prevent a catastrophic outcome. Along the way, they discover hidden truths about themselves and their place in the world.
By Charlotte Perkins Gilman · First published 1890 · Genre: Feminist Literature, Satire, Utopian/Dystopian Fiction · 219 words
First lines
Suppose you write your heart out till the world Sobs with one voice-what then? Small agonies that round your heart-strings curled Strung out for choice, that men May pick a phrase, each for his own pet pain, And thank the voice so come, They being dumb. What then?
You have no sympathy? O endless claim! No one that cares? What then? Suppose you had-the whole world knew your name And your affairs, and men Ached with your headache, dreamed your dreadful dreams, And, with your heart-break due, Their hearts broke too. What then?
What this Textopian page supports
What Then? is listed on Textopian as an essay by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, dated 1890 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Date: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Feminist Literature, Satire, Utopian/Dystopian Fiction, Social Commentary, Speculative Fiction
- Length: 219 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for What Then? 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 What Then??
- How does this essay by Charlotte Perkins Gilman fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Feminist Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Give Way by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Another Creed by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- A Man Must Live by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Similar Cases by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- A Question The Forerunner by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- New Duty by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Genres
- Feminist Literature — Charlotte Perkins Gilman is a well-known feminist author and this book reflects her emphasis on women's rights and gender roles.
- Satire — This book uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize and mock society's follies, particularly in the context of gender stereotypes.
- Utopian/Dystopian Fiction — The book unfolds an idyllic society from the feminist perspective, but also critiques contemporary social structures creating a dystopic vision. Therefore, it can be placed in the genre of utopian/dystopian fiction.
- Social Commentary — The book gives commentary on social issues particularly women's place in society and the constraints placed on them.
Tags
feminism · gender roles · society · identity · self-discovery · independence · social critique · women's rights · personal growth · existentialism · modernism · psychological drama