Abstract:As a feminist utopian novel, Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman depicts a nation consisting only of females. The three explorers’ intrusion triggers an intense contrast between the two highly different social patterns, thus through direct and indirect approaches, plenty of realistic social problems are presented. Gilman’s “Herland” places great value to equality, freedom and care, and it instructs us about how to achieve freedom for females as well as how male and female could live in harmony together. My thesis intends to carry out a tentative exploration of this novel and take a close look at the differences between Herland society and our familiar one. I will point out the obstacles that hinder the development of female. In the meantime, I will talk about how this novel is inspiring and enlightening.

Key Words: utopian, female, Gilman, Herland

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

Introduction-1

Chapter One Relevance to Reality-2

1.1 Assumption versus Real Situation-2

1.1.1 Age and Appearance-2

1.1.2 Relations with Each Other-3

1.1.3 Women’s Reactions and Attitudes towards Men-3

1.1.4-Personal Qualities-4

1.1.5-Level of Development-4

1.2 Unacceptable Actual World Facts-5

1.2.1-On Virginity-5

1.2.2-On Naming method-6

1.2.3-On Work-7

1.3 Proactively Considered Phenomena-7

1.3.1-Motherhood and Wifehood-7

1.3.2-Child-rearing and Education-8

1.3.3-Masculinity and Femininity-9

Chapter Two Obstacles Women Face in Real Life-10

Chapter Three Inspirations Drawn by Herland-12

3.1 Women Define Themselves-12

3.2 Self-realization-13

Conclusion-13

Bibliography-15

Acknowledgements-16