Moving the Mountain · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Moving the Mountain by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.
Chapter 1
Moving the Mountain
This chapter, titled 'Moving the Mountain,' serves as a preface or introduction to the book. It likely sets the stage for the narrative, introducing the central themes and the premise of a transformed society. The chapter's title suggests the monumental task of social change and the power of collective action.
Chapter 2
I
The narrator, John, is found on a Tibetan plateau by his sister Nellie after being lost for thirty years. He had fallen into a remote valley, been cared for by Buddhist peasants, and lost all memory of his past life. Nellie brings him back to civilization, and he begins to re-educate himself, learning about the vast changes that have occurred in the world, particularly regarding women's roles and social structures. He struggles to reconcile his old beliefs with the new reality, and Nellie suggests he write down his experiences to aid his re-education.
Chapter 3
II
John struggles to comprehend the transformed world he has returned to. Nellie attempts to explain the profound changes, describing a new religion of 'living' and a world that has 'come alive.' John feels a deep sense of loss and disorientation, comparing his experience to waking up in a house full of strangers. He explores the ship, noting the improved conditions for the crew and the strange absence of smoking, which further unsettles him.
Chapter 4
Chapter III: The New World Unveiled
John arrives in America and is greeted by his sister Nellie, her husband Owen, and their children Jerrold and Hallie. They tour the transformed city, revealing a society with short work hours, clean harbors, advanced technology, and a new approach to immigration and population control.
Chapter 5
Chapter IV
John continues to learn about the new society's economic and social systems. The family explains how poverty has been eliminated through increased productivity, resource rights, and efficient administration. They describe the transformation of food production and distribution, highlighting the role of women in pioneering professional food services and the shift from wasteful individual housekeeping to centralized, scientific food companies. The chapter also touches on the redesign of city blocks for beauty and community, and the use of 'kindergarten methods' in social improvement.
Chapter 6
Chapter V
In this chapter, John continues his conversation with Owen, learning about the profound changes in gender roles and family life in this new society. Owen explains that women have specialized in motherhood, creating a science of 'Humaniculture' where only those with a diploma can care for children. He describes how women have become fully equal citizens, leading to a more 'human' world rather than a 'feminist' one. Owen also discusses how women's preferences have eliminated tobacco and alcohol use, and redefines marriage as a partnership of true lovers rather than a possession of the husband. The chapter explores the idea that women are now 'mostly human' rather than 'mostly female,' and that this shift has improved both men and women.
Chapter 7
VI
John continues to absorb the vast changes in society, engaging in a series of discussions with economists and sociologists about the transformation from the old world to the new. The conversation centers on the eradication of poverty, the redefinition of work as social service, and the pivotal role of new ideas and the 'new voters' in driving this change. The chapter is a philosophical dialogue that contrasts old economic theories with the new social economics, highlighting the shift from individualistic to collectivist thinking.
Chapter 8
VII
John continues his tour of the transformed America, visiting a residence group and the countryside. He learns about the economics of cooperative living, the elimination of menageries and hunting, and the new emphasis on physical beauty and education. He struggles to reconcile his old beliefs with the evident success and happiness of the new way of life.
Chapter 9
VIII
In this chapter, John and Owen take a motor boat trip up the Hudson River, discussing the rapid social and technological transformations of the past thirty years. Owen explains the application of evolutionary ideas to social progress, the shift to electric power and clean industry, and the redefinition of history that acknowledges women's contributions. John struggles with the new worldview, feeling resentment at being treated as an inferior by women, but Owen counters with a historical perspective.
Chapter 10
Chapter IX: The New Education and Child-Culture
In this chapter, John continues his exploration of the new society, focusing on its revolutionary approach to education and child-rearing. He observes child-gardens where children learn through natural interest and play, guided by specialized teachers, mostly mothers. Nellie explains the principles behind this system: free and healthy mothers, adequate living conditions, specialized care, and a new social consciousness. John is skeptical but gradually impressed, noting the absence of crying and the evident happiness of the children. The chapter also touches on the new literature for children, which emphasizes truth and future possibilities, and concludes with Nellie playfully insisting on showing John rather than telling him.
Chapter 11
The New Education and the Arts
The narrator continues his exploration of the transformed society, focusing on the new education system and the role of the arts. He discusses with Owen the changes in journalism and advertising, and the socialized press. He observes the new generation, free from old prejudices, and the altered views on youth and age. Nellie attributes these changes to the liberation of women. The narrator notes the integration of art into daily life, with theatre and music becoming common educational tools. He also reflects on the importance of community living over isolated family units.
Chapter 12
Chapter XI
John continues his education in the new social order, engaging in a deep conversation with Frank Borderson about the transformation of religion into a science of ethics and human relation. Frank explains his personal redemption through moral hygienists, describing a society where sin is obsolete and love is understood as social energy. John also learns about the social acceptance of Frank and his wife, and consults a reactionary professor, Morris Banks, about the historical transition to socialism, which occurred with surprisingly little violent resistance.
Chapter 13
XII
John continues his independent exploration of the new world, conceding its advantages while feeling increasingly homesick. He travels to the countryside, observing the improved small towns and socialized industries. Overwhelmed by a longing for his past, he visits his Uncle Jake's farm, the one place that remains unchanged, and reunites with his aunt and cousin Drusilla.
