100 words to know before reading Herland

1. Used as a reflexive pronoun to refer to a group previously mentioned.
2. Used for emphasis to refer to a group previously mentioned.

and in, and some of those gorgeous gardens, and, most important of all, of the women themselves. Nobody will ever believe how they looked. Descriptions aren’t any good when it comes to women,

1. A medieval nobleman with military and administrative authority over a border province.
2. A hereditary title in certain European countries, equivalent to a marquis.

and friends—Terry O. Nicholson (we used to call him the Old Nick, with good reason), Jeff Margrave, and I, Vandyck Jennings. We had known each other years and years, and in spite of our

1. A journey or voyage for a specific purpose, such as exploration or research.
2. A group of people undertaking such a journey.

and all manner of strange flora and fauna expected. But this story is not about that expedition. That was only the merest starter for ours. My interest was first roused by talk among our

1. A twisted, knotted mass of threads, fibers, or hair.
2. A complicated or confused situation.

folk myths of these scattered tribes. And as we got farther and farther upstream, in a dark tangle of rivers, lakes, morasses, and dense forests, with here and there an unexpected long spur

1. The reflexive form of "we," referring to the speaker and others.
2. Used for emphasis to indicate "we" and no one else.

clear ideas of ours as to what a country of women would be like. It was no use to tell ourselves and one another that all this was idle speculation. We were idle and we did speculate, on the

1. A long journey involving travel by sea or in space.
2. The act or process of traveling from one place to another.

We discussed it hotly all the way back to camp. We discussed it with care and privacy on the voyage home. We discussed it after that, still only among ourselves, while Terry was making his

1. A medium-sized sailboat used for racing or cruising.
2. A luxurious motor-driven boat used for pleasure trips.

stood him in good stead there. It was a very complete little outfit. We were to leave the yacht at the nearest safe port and go up that endless river in our motorboat, just the three of us and

1. Spoke softly or indistinctly in a low voice.
2. Made a low, continuous sound, like a stream or wind.

of escape. He examined the close ranks about us, reaching back far on every side, and murmured softly to me, “Every one of ’em over forty as I’m a sinner.” Yet they were not old women. Each

1. A main branch of a tree.
2. A large or sturdy limb of a tree.

swift as light, she seized it from him with her left, and dropped on the instant to the bough below. He made his snatch, quite vainly, almost losing his position as his hand clutched only

1. Climbing or trailing plants with long stems.
2. Refers to videos shared on the now-defunct platform Vine.

“I never saw a forest so petted, even in Germany. Look, there’s not a dead bough—the vines are trained—actually! And see here”—he stopped and looked about him, calling Jeff’s attention

1. Magnificent or impressive in appearance.
2. Excellent or very good.

either side. “Food-bearing, practically all of them,” they announced returning. “The rest, splendid hardwood. Call this a forest? It’s a truck farm!” “Good thing to have a botanist on hand,” I

1. A decorative object used to enhance beauty.
2. A detail or feature that adds attractiveness.

to have a botanist on hand,” I agreed. “Sure there are no medicinal ones? Or any for pure ornament?” As a matter of fact they were quite right. These towering trees were under as careful

1. The process of growing plants or crops.
2. The development or improvement through education or training.

could not help seeing this much, even on that excited day—a land in a state of perfect cultivation, where even the forests looked as if they were cared for; a land that looked like an enormous

1. The main branches of a tree.
2. Large limbs or offshoots from a tree trunk.

rapidity, the three bright creatures were gone. They dropped from the ends of the big boughs to those below, fairly pouring themselves off the tree, while we climbed downward as swiftly as

1. Taken by force or legal authority.
2. Grasped suddenly and firmly.

right hand for the gay swinging thing—he held it a little nearer—then, swift as light, she seized it from him with her left, and dropped on the instant to the bough below. He made his snatch,

1. Strange or unusual in a way that is surprising or noticeable.
2. Distinctive or unique to a particular person, place, or thing.

III A Peculiar Imprisonment From a slumber as deep as death, as refreshing as that of a healthy child, I slowly

1. A piece of clothing.
2. An item of apparel worn on the body.

was needed for this work, save to lay off outer clothing. The first one was as perfect a garment for exercise as need be devised, absolutely free to move in, and, I had to admit, much

1. Used to emphasize a statement or response.
2. Truly or certainly (often expressing agreement).

head; we were lifted like children, straddling helpless children, and borne onward, wriggling indeed, but most ineffectually. We were borne inside, struggling manfully, but held secure most

1. Sought knowledge or details.
2. Made a formal request or investigation.

country, beautifully made, and increased our knowledge of geographical terms; but when we inquired for information as to the country outside, they smilingly shook their heads. They brought

1. A single loop of thread or yarn in sewing or knitting.
2. A sudden sharp pain, often in the side.

he pleasantly inquired. “They have taken away all our possessions, all our clothes—every stitch. We have been stripped and washed and put to bed like so many yearling babies—by these highly

1. Clothing items, especially those of a particular type or for a specific purpose.
2. Articles of dress or attire, such as shirts, dresses, or coats.

that these women had pockets in surprising number and variety. They were in all their garments, and the middle one in particular was shingled with them. So we stocked up with nuts till we

1. A loose garment, typically sleeveless and reaching to the knees, worn in ancient times.
2. A modern close-fitting jacket worn as part of a uniform.

sturdier material—evidently they would do at a pinch with nothing further. Then there were tunics, knee-length, and some long robes. Needless to say, we took tunics. We bathed and dressed quite

1. Long, loose outer garments, often worn for ceremonies or formal occasions.
2. Official or ceremonial attire, especially for judges, clergy, or academics.

would do at a pinch with nothing further. Then there were tunics, knee-length, and some long robes. Needless to say, we took tunics. We bathed and dressed quite cheerfully. “Not half bad,” said

1. A sudden attack or mission by military forces.
2. A flight made by an aircraft on a combat mission.

said Terry. “Studied as curiosities,” I told them. “But anyhow, we want food. So now for a sortie!” A sortie was not so easy. The bathroom only opened into our chamber, and that had but one

1. The ability to see; eyesight (noun).
2. A supernatural appearance or revelation (noun).

gravely invited to be seated. The tables were set for two; each of us found ourselves placed vis-à-vis with one of our hosts, and each table had five other stalwarts nearby, unobtrusively

1. A narrow horizontal surface projecting from a wall or cliff.
2. A ridge or shelf of rock.

IV Our Venture We were standing on a narrow, irregular, all too slanting little ledge, and should doubtless have ignominiously slipped off and broken our rash necks but for the vine.

1. To move or climb quickly using hands and feet.
2. To mix or throw together in a hurried, disorderly way.

put on the thickest of those intermediate suits, leaving our tunics behind, and made this scramble quite successfully, though I got a pretty heavy fall just at the end, and was only kept on the

1. The leaves of a plant or tree.
2. A cluster of leaves, flowers, or branches.

that swaying, wavering figure dropped, hand under hand, till it disappeared in a mass of foliage far below. Then there were three quick pulls, and Jeff and I, not without a joyous sense of

1. Brief or quick views of something.
2. Small indications or hints of something.

seeming to be in groups by themselves generally, were less in evidence. We caught many glimpses of girls and children in what seemed to be schools or in playgrounds, and so far as we could

1. A theatrical performance using gestures and movements without speech.
2. A traditional British Christmas entertainment with music, slapstick comedy, and audience participation.

and we were saluted civilly by the tall-standing women. We had no need to make pathetic pantomime of hunger; the smaller tables were already laid with food, and we were gravely invited to be

1. Greatest or highest in degree, extent, or amount.
2. Of the highest or most extreme kind.

between us widened; they had got their pace apparently, and then, though we ran at our utmost speed, and much farther than I thought wise, they kept just out of reach all the time. We stopped

1. Extremely surprising or impressive.
2. Causing great wonder or amazement.

When I dug into the records to follow out any line of development, that was the most astonishing thing—the conscious effort to make it better. They had early observed the value of certain

1. A young cow or bull.
2. The fleshy back part of the leg below the knee.

some time to make clear to those three sweet-faced women the process which robs the cow of her calf, and the calf of its true food; and the talk led us into a further discussion of the meat

1. Young domestic cats, typically under one year old.
2. Term of endearment for something small, cute, or playful.

and devotedly attached to their special owners. “You must have a heartbreaking time drowning kittens,” we suggested. But they said, “Oh, no! You see we care for them as you do for your valuable

1. Light, flat growths forming a bird's plumage.
2. Decorative items made from bird feathers.

birds were numerous and safe. While we were discussing birds, Terry asked them if they used feathers for their hats, and they seemed amused at the idea. He made a few sketches of our women’s hats,

1. Feathers, especially large or showy ones, from a bird.
2. Ornamental feathers used in decoration or fashion.

hats, and they seemed amused at the idea. He made a few sketches of our women’s hats, with plumes and quills and those various tickling things that stick out so far; and they were eagerly

1. People who illegally enter buildings to commit theft or other crimes.
2. Those who break into homes or properties with intent to steal.

is kept which is no longer useful—” “They are a protection,” Terry insisted. “They bark if burglars try to get in.” Then she made notes of “burglars” and went on: “because of the love which people

1. A person who teaches or instructs, often individually or in small groups.
2. A private teacher who provides extra help outside of regular classes.

young women whatever. Then we were under surveillance for three more—always with a tutor or a guard or both. But those months were pleasant because we were really getting acquainted with

1. A feeling of hopelessness or deep sadness.
2. The complete loss or absence of hope.

them with loving service, and waited, between a boundless hope and an equally boundless despair, to see if they, too, would be mothers. And they were! As fast as they reached the age of

1. Extremely distasteful or unacceptable.
2. Arousing intense disgust or aversion.

some things were right, or at least unavoidable, which we could readily see would be repugnant to them, and therefore did not discuss. Again there was much of our world’s life which we, being

1. Something that causes a reaction or response.
2. An external factor that triggers a physiological or psychological activity.

of competition: how it developed fine qualities; that without it there would be “no stimulus to industry.” Terry was very strong on that point. “No stimulus to industry,” they repeated, with

1. Extremely unpleasant or repulsive.
2. Deserving strong dislike or hatred.

VI Comparisons Are Odious I had always been proud of my country, of course. Everyone is. Compared with the other lands and

1. A form of humor using irony or exaggeration to criticize or mock.
2. A literary work exposing human folly through ridicule.

by innocent questions, so did these women, without the slightest appearance of malice or satire, continually bring up points of discussion which we spent our best efforts in evading. Now that

1. Avoiding or escaping from something, often skillfully or deceitfully.
2. Dodging responsibility, a question, or duty.

or satire, continually bring up points of discussion which we spent our best efforts in evading. Now that we were fairly proficient in their language, had read a lot about their history, and

1. Skilled or competent in a particular activity or field.
2. Able to perform tasks with expertise and efficiency.

points of discussion which we spent our best efforts in evading. Now that we were fairly proficient in their language, had read a lot about their history, and had given them the general outlines of

1. People who are extremely poor and rely on charity.
2. Individuals lacking basic necessities due to poverty.

few on top, temporarily, many constantly crushed out underneath, a hopeless substratum of paupers and degenerates, and no serenity or peace for anyone, no possibility for really noble qualities

1. The study of how living organisms function.
2. The biological processes and functions of an organism or its parts.

is a very old science; and with it, a surprising range and facility in mathematics. Physiology they were quite familiar with. Indeed, when it came to the simpler and more concrete sciences,

1. Groups of people gathered to watch or listen to a performance, speech, or event.
2. Formal meetings with someone important or influential.

almost equal to ours at home; and by the time we were led forth to lecture, our audiences had thoroughly mastered a well-arranged digest of all we had previously given to our teachers,

1. A mound of earth built by ants as their nest.
2. A structure created by ants to house their colony.

pretty well? You can’t beat it. This place is just like an enormous anthill—you know an anthill is nothing but a nursery. And how about bees? Don’t they manage to cooperate and love one

1. Extremely beautiful and delicate.
2. Intensely felt or experienced.

had in this line. As we learned more and more of it, we learned to appreciate the exquisite mastery with which we ourselves, strangers of alien race, of unknown opposite sex, had been

1. Prepared and used for growing crops or plants.
2. Refined or educated in manners, tastes, or intellect.

children of theirs compared with the average in our country as the most perfectly cultivated, richly developed roses compare with—tumbleweeds. Yet they did not seem “cultivated” at all—it

1. Domesticated or trained to live with humans.
2. Made less wild or aggressive.

VII Our Growing Modesty Being at last considered sufficiently tamed and trained to be trusted with scissors, we barbered ourselves as best we could. A close-trimmed

1. A tool used for cutting, consisting of two metal blades joined together.
2. A type of swimming kick where legs move in a scissor-like motion.

noise was not difficult, and broken glass will cut, though not as deftly as a pair of scissors. The broad moonlight streamed in through four of our windows—we had not dared leave our lights

1. Past tense of 'barber': to cut or trim someone's hair professionally.
2. Shaped or styled by a barber (e.g., a barbered beard).

Being at last considered sufficiently tamed and trained to be trusted with scissors, we barbered ourselves as best we could. A close-trimmed beard is certainly more comfortable than a full one.

1. A group of birds or sheep (noun).
2. To gather or move in a group (verb).

or “a little flock about her knees,” and the complete absorption of the mother in said baby or flock. A motherliness which dominated society, which influenced every art and industry, which

1. The process of combining male and female gametes to form a zygote.
2. The act of enriching soil with nutrients to promote plant growth.

more intimate conversations, how they accounted for so much divergence without cross-fertilization, they attributed it partly to the careful education, which followed each slight tendency to

1. A change in the DNA sequence of an organism.
2. The process by which such a genetic change occurs.

only made notes of them. “If that is so, then our improvement must be due either to mutation, or solely to education,” she gravely pursued. “We certainly have improved. It may be that all

1. Safe to eat; fit for consumption as food.
2. Any substance that can be eaten for nourishment.

in which they took especial pride, it had originally no fruit at all—that is, none humanly edible—yet was so beautiful that they wished to keep it. For nine hundred years they had experimented,

1. The state of being a mother; motherhood.
2. Relating to pregnancy and childbirth.

demand for a child. Every thought they held in connection with the processes of maternity was open to the day, simple yet sacred. Every woman of them placed motherhood not only higher

1. Suffering the loss of a loved one through death.
2. Deprived or left desolate, especially by death.

of our girls eagerly try for it—I assure you we have the very best.” “But the poor mother—bereaved of her baby—” “Oh no!” she earnestly assured me. “Not in the least bereaved. It is her baby

1. A person one knows slightly but not as a close friend.
2. Knowledge or experience of something.

of matrimony. And here again, I have to draw on later experience, and as deep an acquaintance with their culture as I could achieve, to explain the gulfs of difference between us. Two

1. Lacking strength or clarity; barely perceptible.
2. A sudden loss of consciousness.

we so imperfectly strove to teach them. The memorable fact is what they taught us, or some faint glimpse of it. And at present, our major interest was not at all in the subject matter of our

1. A feeling of great surprise or amazement.
2. The state of being astonished or shocked.

uncomfortable sense of race-humility grew apace. Ellador could not understand my astonishment. She explained things kindly and sweetly, but with some amazement that they needed explaining,

1. Used to introduce more information or arguments.

and got on better. He had to. For, in spite of his criticism, they were girls, and, furthermore, all the girls there were! Always excepting our three!—with whom we presently renewed our

1. Held in high regard; honored or praised.
2. Elevated in rank, power, or character.

that is. These girls—to each of whom motherhood was a lodestar, and that motherhood exalted above a mere personal function, looked forward to as the highest social service, as the sacrament

1. Had an angry argument or disagreement.
2. Engaged in a verbal dispute or conflict.

rather puzzled Celis, really put off their day of happiness, while Terry and Alima quarreled and parted, re-met and re-parted, Ellador and I grew to be close friends. We talked and talked.

1. The distance or measurement from side to side; width.
2. Wide range or extent of something.

young minds fairly flung themselves on their chosen subjects, and acquired with an ease, a breadth, a grasp, at which I never ceased to wonder. But the babies and little children never felt the

1. Gentle, kind, or affectionate in manner.
2. Offering something formally, like a bid or resignation.

of the babies we already had.” She paused. Her wise sweet face grew deeply, reverently tender. “We soon grew to see that mother-love has more than one channel of expression. I think the

1. Continued firmly or obstinately despite difficulty or opposition.
2. Remained in existence or continued over time.

to it. “They’ve no unpleasant ones, either,” Jeff reminded him. “Wish they had!” Terry persisted. “They’ve neither the vices of men, nor the virtues of women—they’re neuters!” “You know better

1. Young deer, typically less than a year old.
2. Light brown color resembling a fawn's coat.

in dewy forest glades and brook-fed meadows. And they enjoyed it as frankly and utterly as the fawns would. They found themselves in a big bright lovely world, full of the most interesting and

1. A small arthropod with six legs and typically one or two pairs of wings.
2. Any similar invertebrate, often considered a pest.

carried it to the nearest insect teacher”—I made a note there to ask her what on earth an insect teacher was—“to ask her its name. She took it from me with a little cry of delight. ‘Oh, you

1. A nocturnal flying insect related to butterflies, typically with duller colors and feathery antennae.
2. The adult stage of certain insects that undergo metamorphosis.

obernuts, and said so. It is our best food-nut, you know. ‘This is a female of the obernut moth,’ she told me. ‘They are almost gone. We have been trying to exterminate them for centuries. If

1. Thick fabric floor coverings, often woven or knotted.
2. Small carpets used for decoration or warmth.

for the babies—a group of those naked darlings playing on short velvet grass, clean-swept; or rugs as soft; or in shallow pools of bright water; tumbling over with bubbling joyous baby

1. A natural desire to satisfy bodily needs, especially for food.
2. A strong wish or urge for something.

I studied these youngsters, vigorous, joyous, eager little creatures, and their voracious appetite for life, it shook my previous ideas so thoroughly that they have never been reestablished. The

1. Creating or inventing something through careful thought or planning.
2. The act of formulating a strategy or plan.

was all education but no schooling. “We have been working for some sixteen hundred years, devising better and better games for children,” continued Somel. I sat aghast. “Devising games?” I

1. Not deserving respect or attention.
2. Lacking value or merit.

gone. They knew less than we do. If we are not beyond them, we are unworthy of them—and unworthy of the children who must go beyond us.” This set me thinking in good earnest. I had always

1. In a remarkable or noticeable way.
2. In a strange or unusual manner.

to aim if we have to drop over this wall some other way.” The wall at that point was singularly uninviting. It rose so straight that we had to put our heads over to see the base, and the

1. Existing or residing within something.
2. (Theology) Permanently present, especially referring to the divine.

a Big Woman somewhere, who is God. What we call God is a Pervading Power, you know, an Indwelling Spirit, something inside of us that we want more of. Is your God a Big Man?” she asked

1. Long, stiff hairs growing near the mouth of certain animals, like cats or mice.
2. Slang term for facial hair, especially a mustache.

Indwelling Spirit just as you do, but we insist that it is Him, a Person, and a Man—with whiskers.” “Whiskers? Oh yes—because you have them! Or do you wear them because He does?” “On the

1. Relating to a system where men hold primary power and authority.
2. Characteristic of a society or family structure dominated by males.

ancient one which quite inevitably clothed its thought of God with the attributes of the patriarchal ruler, the grandfather. “I see,” she said eagerly, after I had explained the genesis and

1. Spread out over a wide area; not concentrated.
2. (of light or sound) Softened or scattered.

in a world where everybody loves them. They find life made rich and happy for them by the diffused love and wisdom of all mothers. So it is easy for you to think of God in the terms of a similar

1. The ability to live forever; eternal life.
2. Endless existence or lasting fame.

She could be horrified at Damnation, and question the justice of Salvation, but Immortality—that was surely a noble faith. “Why, Van,” she said, holding out her hands to me. “Why

1. To continue firmly in an action or belief despite difficulty or opposition.
2. To endure or remain unchanged over time.

one’s class,” and certain well-grounded suspicions of international marriages, which seem to persist in the interests of social progress, rather than in those of the contracting parties. But no

1. A small insect, often living in colonies, known for strength and teamwork.
2. (Informal) Short for "antenna," a device for receiving signals.

to set up housekeeping with a female ant from a highly developed anthill. This female ant might regard him with intense personal affection, but her ideas of parentage and economic

1. Small social insects that live in colonies.
2. Hardworking or diligent people (figurative).

nonsense,” the peaceful Jeff replied. He was certainly a warm defender of Herland. “Ants don’t raise their myriads by a struggle, do they? Or the bees?” “Oh, if you go back to

1. The state of being alone without companions.
2. A peaceful or isolated place.

keenest, most delicate sense of personal privacy, but not the faintest idea of that solitude à deux we are so fond of. They had, every one of them, the “two rooms and a bath” theory

1. Lacking courage or confidence; easily frightened.
2. Shy or hesitant in manner or approach.

did not repel it, did not in the least fear it, evidently. There was not a shade of that timid withdrawal or pretty resistance which are so—provocative. “You see, dearest,” she said, “you

1. Tending to provoke or stimulate a reaction, often strong or emotional.
2. Intentionally arousing interest, curiosity, or controversy.

also. And more than all, I found this—a factor of enormous weight—these women were not provocative. That made an immense difference. The thing that Terry had so complained of when we first

1. To cause surprise or confusion.
2. To mix up or mistake one thing for another.

orphans, and being taught what they think is necessary—whether we like it or not. Confound their old-maid impudence!” Nevertheless we were taught. They brought in a raised map of their

1. Highly attractive or tempting.
2. Charming or enticing in a captivating way.

was the same as with us, of course, only with these distinctions. Alima, a shade more alluring, and several shades less able as a practical psychologist; Terry, a hundredfold more

1. Forced to leave a place, such as a school or country.
2. Pushed out or ejected, like air or substances from the body.

XII Expelled We had all meant to go home again. Indeed we had not meant—not by any means—to stay as long as

1. A feeling of contempt or disdain for someone or something.
2. Open dislike or disrespect often mixed with indignation.

away for bad conduct, we none of us really liked it. Terry said he did. He professed great scorn of the penalty and the trial, as well as all the other characteristics of “this miserable

1. A package or bundle of items wrapped for transport or delivery.
2. A portion or piece of land, often part of a larger property.

unsafe, convicted of what was to them an unpardonable sin. He laughed at their chill horror. “Parcel of old maids!” he called them. “They’re all old maids—children or not. They don’t know the first

1. Female domestic workers who clean and perform household tasks.
2. Young unmarried women, often used in historical contexts.

of what was to them an unpardonable sin. He laughed at their chill horror. “Parcel of old maids!” he called them. “They’re all old maids—children or not. They don’t know the first thing about

1. Very great or intense in degree.
2. Having deep insight or knowledge.

palpably avoided saying were all set down and studied. It really was child’s play for those profound educators to work out a painfully accurate estimate of our conditions—in some lines. When a

1. Decorated with carved or embossed patterns.
2. Worn or eroded, especially by friction.

Ellador; and as for Jeff, he was so thoroughly Herlandized that he wasn’t fair to Terry, who fretted sharply in his new restraint. Moadine, grave and strong, as sadly patient as a mother with a

1. A measure or condition that limits or controls something.
2. Self-control or moderation in behavior or expression.

was so thoroughly Herlandized that he wasn’t fair to Terry, who fretted sharply in his new restraint. Moadine, grave and strong, as sadly patient as a mother with a degenerate child, kept steady

1. Harsh, stern, or forbidding in appearance or manner.
2. Causing gloom or depression; bleak.

out as to their views of our habits, and after a while Terry had his sentence. He waited, grim and defiant. The sentence was: “You must go home!”

1. The interaction or cooperation of two or more things, producing a combined effect.
2. Reciprocal action and reaction between elements or factors.

flat. You see, they lacked the sex motive and, with it, jealousy. They had no interplay of warring nations, no aristocracy and its ambitions, no wealth and poverty opposition. I see I

1. Medium-sized wild cats with tufted ears and short tails.
2. Known for their keen eyesight and solitary nature.

longed to see her, but she would not come and he could not go. They watched him like lynxes. (Do lynxes watch any better than mousing cats, I wonder!) Well—we had to get the flyer in