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Intersectionality in Early Feminist Texts: Herland, Sultana's Dream, and Iola Leroy Main Menu

Education

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Intersections

The theme of education is the strongest link between all of these texts. All of them emphasize the necessity for education in girls and women. Education can solve societal problems and is the path to equality in each text. In "Sultana's Dream," women are allowed to be educated after the queen begins her reign and the education of women is the catalyst for change in their society. Education was not empahisized by the men who came before the queen which ultimately led to the downfall of their patriarchic society. Herland shows that education is a communal and collaborative effort, making education be everyone's job. The people who are the best to educate on certain topics are the ones who pass on their expertise, knowing it will better the next generation. In Iola Leroy the education of mothers is stressed. Many of the societal and situational improvements that happen in the novel are because od access to education. From these texts we can learn that accessible education for everybody is the route to a better society.

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Intersectionality Gabrielle Borders
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Iola Leroy p.235
Iola Leroy p.146
"Sultana's Dream" Education page 11 In "Sultana's Dream," Rokeya demonstrates that the imporntance of education in Ladyland, comes from the highest possible source. The queen orders all women to be educated, and her order is the catalyst for change. But more than that, by ending child marriages, women were given the space to recieve an education. They were not required to be at home tending to their husbands and children, but were instead learning to drawn rain from the sky.
"Sultana's Dream" Education page 12 Rokeya highlights the differences in these two ladies through this passage. It is made clear that the sultana's lack of comprehension is not as a result of stupidity, but rather a lack of knowledge. Not only does the education of these women allow them to invent incredible technologies, but the lack of an education creates an inpenetrable barrier between these women, thereby claiming that education is the great equalizer.
"Sultana's Dream" Education page 17 The desire for education and knowledge is clearly put in contrast with military strength and dominance throughout "Sultana's Dream." Physically abilities are not what save the people of pre-Ladyland. The queen emphasizes this idea here by claiming that still with all of their achievements, the women of this country strive for only more knowledge. The build and sustain their power, not through brute force, but continuing education.
Herland education 128
Herland education pg.59
Herland education pg.72