Herland · Chapter
VII: Our Growing Modesty explained
The men, now trusted with scissors, groom themselves and begin a personally conducted tour of Herland.
What happens
The men, now trusted with scissors, groom themselves and begin a personally conducted tour of Herland. They observe the women's practical yet artistic clothing and their calm, superior demeanor. Terry struggles with the lack of traditional motherliness, while Van questions Somel about Herland's faults. Somel explains that they have eliminated crime over centuries by selective breeding and by entrusting child-rearing only to the most fit, separating motherhood from education.
Themes in this chapter
Motherhood and Social Motherhood
The chapter deeply explores Herland's separation of biological motherhood from child-rearing, emphasizing that education is a high art entrusted only to the most fit, challenging the men's conventional views.
Education and Knowledge
Somel explains that child care involves education and is reserved for the most competent, highlighting Herland's advanced pedagogical system and the value placed on specialized knowledge.
Characters to notice
- Terry O. Nicholson
Struggles with Herland's lack of traditional motherliness and feels his masculinity is out of place; he sneers at the lack of razors and calls Moadine 'Maud,' showing his discomfort.
- Jeff Margrave
Defends Herland's achievements, praising their peace, wealth, and intellect; he loves Zava 'like an aunt.'
- Van
Narrates the chapter, observes Terry's decline in esteem, and directly asks Somel about Herland's faults, seeking to understand their civilization.
- Somel
Patiently explains Herland's approach to motherhood and child-rearing, describing how they 'breed out' undesirable traits and entrust education only to the most fit.
- Moadine
Acts as Terry's tutor, displaying calm patience and quiet superiority; she handles his preposterous expressions with genial laughter and polite questions.
Key passages
“But I thought motherhood was for each of you— "Motherhood—yes, that is, maternity, to bear a child. But education is our highest art, only allowed to our highest artists."”
Van assumes motherhood includes child-rearing, but Somel clarifies that while all women can bear children, the education and care of children is a specialized skill reserved for the most capable.
Highlights the central conflict between the men's traditional view of motherhood and Herland's social organization.
“We have, of course, made it our first business to train out, to breed out, when possible, the lowest types.”
Somel explains that Herland has systematically eliminated undesirable traits over centuries through selective reproduction and social training.
Reveals Herland's eugenic practices and their approach to social perfection.