Point of View

Herland is a first person narrative recounted in a pseudo-documentary style by protagonist, Vandyck Jennings. Vandyck is hardly omniscient; but as a sociologist, he learns all that he can about the natives of Herland and passes this information along to the reader. His sociological viewpoint is critical to the author's central intent, which is to convince the reader of the feasibility of her utopian ideals. Author Charlotte Perkins Gilman writes Herland with an eye toward social change. Vandyck's character, as a man of science, represents the prevailing wisdom of the Victorian society, which Gilman seeks to change. If the author can make a case compelling enough to sway someone like Vandyck to her viewpoint, she believes she can succeed in changing the reader's mind as well.

Sociology, Vandyck's specialty, is not only considered a branch of science, but also integrates scientific theories into its students' views...