Comparisons of Society in Herland

In her utopian novel, Charlotte Perkins Gilman uses comparisons between Herland and "our society" in order to show the frank differences between the two extreme ways of living.  The comparisons cause the characters in the story, as well as the reader, to question their societies and also the role that they have in changing and creating customs.  After many occasions of comparison and questioning to learn about each other's world, it becomes clear the discussions between the groups are disturbing to each group in their own way.  The women are genuinely disgusted by "our" culture and practices, while the men begin to query with their own ways of life and are embarrassed to admit that this is how they live.  Eventually, it is revealed through the groups' interactions that the customs of Herland are clearly superior and more rational than "ours".

When the men question the women about how they reproduce, the topic gradually moves towards cattle as an example of how important the two sexes, male and female, are to each other and also to the community.  Jeff easily and naturally explains, "We keep cattle for their milk, as well as for their meat.  Cow's milk is a staple article of diet.  There is a great milk industry- to collect and distribute it (41)."  He states the process as a fact; one that would ideally be accepted by all, but when the women question this new information, the men begin to realize that their ways of living are rather irrational and absurd.  Vandyck narrates, "It took some time to make clear to those three sweet-faced women the process which the cow of her calf, and the calf of its true food...They heard it out, looking very white, and presently begged to be excused (41)."  Because of this response from the women, the men are embarrassed and begin to question their lives and if the women are superior to them.