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

Motherhood

17058

Intersections

Motherhood is celebrated in a vareity of ways thorughout these texts. For the women of Herland, motherhood is a literal religion. Becoming a mother is the highest honor a woman can be granted. And yet, raising your children is not a solitary task. The community works together to make sure no child goes without; the best possible women are resposible for their well-being and education. Community child-rearing is also a huge focus in Iola Leroy, but rather out of necessity than betterment of the child. A slave cannot raise a child alone. Rather, mothers are held in high sentimental regard. A huge focus is placed on fingind Iola's mother and the community that is created once she is found. In contrast, "Sultan's Dream" depicts an ideal society where both men and women raise children. However, a separation still exists. The physical barrier between men and women keep children from being raised by a community of parents. Instead, the author uses this opportunity to show that women are capable of being both a homemaker and a breadwinner.

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Intersectionality Gabrielle Borders
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Iola Leroy p.77
Iola Leroy p.82
"Sultana's Dream" Motherhood page 15
"Sultana's Dream" Motherhood page 17 The young princess of Ladyland is the only child depicted in all of "Sultana's Dream." Together with several maids, the queen and her daughter take a stroll through the gardens, showing readers that unlike the stereotypical man, the women of Ladyland take an active role in raising their children despite their work outside of the home. As the woman who instigated societal change, she can be held as the ideal woman of Ladyland. The presence of her child clearly shows that traaditional ideas of motherhood have not been abandoned in this new world. Again, we see that women capabilities of women far outreaching those of men.
Herland motherhood pg 68 Motherhood is not just a responsibility bestowed upon these women. It is more than simply creating offspring to repopulate the land. The women of Herland are not forced to self-reproduce. Quite the opposite, they chose to do so and are highly honored of having this privilege. It is as if motherhood and raising children are, as the quote insinuates, their true "religion." It is their sole purpose and nothing brings them more joy and honor.
Herland motherhood pg 69 Being a mother is the greatest privilege and honor to the women of Herland. Certain women, those who hold undesired traits, are prohibited from reproducing. This is done in an attempt to "breed-out" undesirable traits in an effort to create and maintain the crime-free and hate-free population that inhabits Herland. Everything, even reproduction, is done with the goal of maintaining peace, improving efficiency, and improving society.
Herland motherhood pg 83 Motherhood lies at the core of Herland's societal values. The approach to motherhood employed varies greatly from the traditional one. It is what can be referred to as social-motherhood. The childhood is not raised by her biological mother, but instead by an individual that is the most skilled and equipped to raise the child. This is done in an effort to raise the best possible children, therefore improving the population and society in general.