A New Hope

As soon as the People of Herland mentioned possibly rejoining the rest of the world, I was really worried they would actually go through with it. I just feel like, as soon as they revealed themselves to the rest of the world, they would be attacked by men just like Jeff, Vandyck, and especially Terry. Not only that, but I imagine their peaceful oasis would begin to be infected with disease as more and more people came there.
The world that Gilman lived in certainly would not accept or understand a society made entirely of women who are not only able to do every kind of work imaginable by themselves and are able to reproduce on their own, but they're able to do it well. Maybe even better than those in the outside world.
I thought it was very interesting when Vandyck explained everything they had previously assumed about a society of women, that they would have been consumed by "feminine vanity." They expected a "dull submissive monotony," pettiness, jealousy, and hysteria. Instead, they found superior clothing, developments in science and mechanics that rivaled their own, as well as a high quality of health and, of course, a community that shared a great motherly and sisterly love.
I don't think the world could ever have respect for that kind of society, not even today. Personally, I feel like it would be better for Herland to stay secluded and continue in prosperity.