Vandyck Jennings Herland

Herland is one of the most notable uptopian novels from 1915 the book depicts an deserted society composed entirely of women whom reproduce asexually. The result of this society is an ideal social order. Free of war, Conflict, and domination. The narrator is Vandyck Jennings a sociologist. The narrator and two of his friends plan an expedition to explore this “uncharted land” where rumor is lives a society where its inhabitants are only women. Interestingly enough, the three man have very typical perspectives regarding women one believes as though women are things to be served and protected, things to be conquered and won. Upon arrival to Herland the men are left exceptionally impressed by practically everything from the women’s intelligence
to their agriculture system. The men make attempts to escape but are easily overpowered by the large group of women. The men are given comfortable living accomodations and taught their language in the course of their visit. The women of Herland are intelligent, astute, unafraid and patient. The women are eager to learn about the world outside and question the men eagerly about practically everything. The men are indeed overwhelmed in justifying the practices and customs of their own society. Two out of three of the men struggle dealing with the women who confidently refuse to conform to his expectations. While the other is enamored of the women and their kindness. Once the men earn more freedom they each end up in a relationship with one of the women they encountered upon their arrival. Herland having had no men for several thousand years they have no experience or memory of how things are “supposed to be”as far as love and sexual intercourse. Their relationships were difficulty for both parties as far as adjustment and compromising. In the end, two men left, one staying on his own will. The two men that left promised not to reveal the utopia.