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The home: its work and influence

by Charlotte Perkins Gilman (1860–1935)

  • Free to read
  • 5 hours to read
  • 20 chapters
  • Reading level: 8th & 9th grade

"The Home: Its Work and Influence" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is a sociological study written in the early 20th century. The work explores the concept of the home, its evolution, and its significant impact on society, particularly focusing on the roles of men and women within the domestic sphere. Gilman seeks to address the challenges and problems associated with traditional home life and advocates for a reevaluation of its structure and functions to align with modern societal needs. At the start of the book, Gilman offers an introductory overview of the purpose of her study, outlining a critique of the conventional perception of the home as an unassailable institution. She emphasizes that while the home is traditionally linked to comfort and sanctuary, it often presents conditions that inhibit personal growth and societal progress. Through her analysis, she aims to highlight that the changes in home life, along with outdated roles assigned to women, can be detrimental, advocating instead for a transformation that encourages greater well-being and functionality for all individuals involved.

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Chapter I

_I hear a deep voice through uneasy dreaming,
A deep, soft, tender, soul-beguiling voice;
A lulling voice that bids the dreams remain,
That calms my restlessness and dulls my pain,
That thrills and fills and holds me till in seeming
There is no other sound on earth—no choice._

_"Home!" says the deep voice, "Home!" and softly singing
Brings me a sense of safety unsurpassed;
So old! so old! The piles above the wave—
The shelter of the stone-blocked, shadowy cave—
Security of sun-kissed treetops swinging—
Safety and Home at last!_

_"Home" says the sweet voice, and warm Comfort rises,
Holding my soul with velvet-fingered hands;
Comfort of leafy lair and lapping fur,
Soft couches, cushions, curtains, and the stir
Of easy pleasures that the body prizes,
Of soft, swift feet to serve the least commands._

_I shrink—half rise—and then it murmurs "Duty!"
Again the past rolls out—a scroll unfurled;
Allegiance and long labor due my lord—
Allegiance in an idleness abhorred—
I am the squaw—the slave—the harem beauty—
I serve and serve, the handmaid of the world._

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Contents

  1. Front Matter
  2. Chapter I
  3. Chapter II
  4. Chapter I
  5. Chapter II
  6. Chapter III
  7. Chapter IV
  8. Chapter V
  9. Chapter VI
  10. Chapter VII
  11. Chapter VIII
  12. Chapter IX
  13. Chapter X
  14. Chapter XI
  15. Chapter XII
  16. Chapter XIII
  17. Chapter XIV
  18. Chapter XV
  19. Chapter XVI
  20. Chapter XVII

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About this edition

This free edition of The home: its work and influence by Charlotte Perkins Gilman comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #44481, released 2013-12-21. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Gender & Sexuality Studies, Sociology.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

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