"Notoriouslyuncleanlives，andmenconnectedwiththesaloons。"
Certainly，theladyvotegathererscannotbeaccusedofmuchsenseofproportion。Grantingeventhatthesebusybodiescandecidewhoselivesarecleanenoughforthateminentlycleanatmosphere，politics，mustitfollowthatsaloon-keepersbelongtothesamecategory？
UnlessitbeAmericanhypocrisyandbigotry，somanifestintheprincipleofProhibition，whichsanctionsthespreadofdrunkennessamongmenandwomenoftherichclass，yetkeepsvigilantwatchontheonlyplacelefttothepoorman。Ifnootherreason，woman’snarrowandpuristattitudetowardlifemakesheragreaterdangertolibertywherevershehaspoliticalpower。Manhaslongovercomethesuperstitionsthatstillengulfwoman。Intheeconomiccompetitivefield，manhasbeencompelledtoexerciseefficiency，judgment，ability，competency。Hethereforehadneithertimenorinclinationtomeasureeveryone’smoralitywithaPuritanicyardstick。Inhispoliticalactivities，too，hehasnotgoneaboutblindfolded。Heknowsthatquantityandnotqualityisthematerialforthepoliticalgrindingmill，and，unlessheisasentimentalreformeroranoldfossil，heknowsthatpoliticscanneverbeanythingbutaswamp。
Womenwhoareatallconversantwiththeprocessofpolitics，knowthenatureofthebeast，butintheirself-sufficiencyandegotismtheymakethemselvesbelievethattheyhavebuttopetthebeast，andhewillbecomeasgentleasalamb，sweetandpure。Asifwomenhavenotsoldtheirvotes，asifwomenpoliticianscannotbebought！Ifherbodycanbeboughtinreturnformaterialconsideration，whynothervote？ThatitisbeingdoneinColoradoandinotherStates，isnotdeniedevenbythoseinfavorofwomansuffrage。
AsIhavesaidbefore，woman’snarrowviewofhumanaffairsisnottheonlyargumentagainstherasapoliticiansuperiortoman。Thereareothers。Herlife-longeconomicparasitismhasutterlyblurredherconceptionofthemeaningofequality。Sheclamorsforequalrightswithmen，yetwelearnthat"fewwomencaretocanvasinundesirabledistricts。"*HowlittleequalitymeanstothemcomparedwiththeRussianwomen，whofacehellitselffortheirideal！——
*Dr。HelenA。Sumner——
Womandemandsthesamerightsasman，yetsheisindignantthatherpresencedoesnotstrikehimdead:hesmokes，keepshishaton，anddoesnotjumpfromhisseatlikeaflunkey。Thesemaybetrivialthings，buttheyareneverthelessthekeytothenatureofAmericansuffragists。Tobesure，theirEnglishsistershaveoutgrownthesesillynotions。Theyhaveshownthemselvesequaltothegreatestdemandsontheircharacterandpowerofendurance。AllhonortotheheroismandsturdinessoftheEnglishsuffragettes。Thankstotheirenergetic，aggressivemethods，theyhaveprovedaninspirationtosomeofourownlifelessandspinelessladies。Butafterall，thesuffragettes，too，arestilllackinginappreciationofrealequality。Elsehowisonetoaccountforthetremendous，trulygiganticeffortsetinmotionbythosevaliantfightersforawretchedlittlebillwhichwillbenefitahandfulofpropertiedladies，withabsolutelynoprovisionforthevastmassofworkingwomen？True，aspoliticianstheymustbeopportunists，musttakehalfmeasuresiftheycannotgetall。Butasintelligentandliberalwomentheyoughttorealizethatiftheballotisaweapon，thedisinheritedneeditmorethantheeconomicallysuperiorclass，andthatthelatteralreadyenjoytoomuchpowerbyvirtueoftheireconomicsuperiority。
ThebrilliantleaderoftheEnglishsuffragettes，Mrs。EmmelinePankhurst，herselfadmitted，whenonherAmericanlecturetour，thattherecanbenoequalitybetweenpoliticalsuperiorsandinferiors。
Ifso，howwilltheworkingwomanofEngland，alreadyinferioreconomicallytotheladieswhoarebenefitedbytheShackletonbill，*
beabletoworkwiththeirpoliticalsuperiors，shouldthebillpass？
IsitnotprobablethattheclassofAnnieKeeney，sofullofzeal，devotion，andmartyrdom，willbecompelledtocarryontheirbackstheirfemalepoliticalbosses，evenastheyarecarryingtheireconomicmasters。Theywouldstillhavetodoit，wereuniversalsuffrageformenandwomenestablishedinEngland。Nomatterwhattheworkersdo，theyaremadetopay，always。Still，thosewhobelieveinthepowerofthevoteshowlittlesenseofjusticewhentheyconcernthemselvesnotatallwiththosewhom，astheyclaim，itmightservemost——
*Mr。Shackletonwasalaborleader。Itisthereforeself-evidentthatheshouldintroduceabillexcludinghisownconstituents。TheEnglishParliamentisfullofsuchJudases——
TheAmericansuffragemovementhasbeen，untilveryrecently，altogetheraparloraffair，absolutelydetachedfromtheeconomicneedsofthepeople。ThusSusanB。Anthony，nodoubtanexceptionaltypeofwoman，wasnotonlyindifferentbutantagonistictolabor；
nordidshehesitatetomanifestherantagonismwhen，in1869，sheadvisedwomentotaketheplacesofstrikingprintersinNewYork。*
Idonotknowwhetherherattitudehadchangedbeforeherdeath——
*EQUALSUFFRAGE。Dr。HelenA。Sumner——
Thereare，ofcourse，somesuffragistswhoareaffiliatedwithworkingwomen——theWomen’sTradeUnionLeague，forinstance；buttheyareasmallminority，andtheiractivitiesareessentiallyeconomic。
TherestlookupontoilasajustprovisionofProvidence。Whatwouldbecomeoftherich，ifnotforthepoor？Whatwouldbecomeoftheseidle，parasiticladies，whosquandermoreinaweekthantheirvictimsearninayear，ifnotfortheeightymillionwageworkers？
Equality，whoeverheardofsuchathing？
FewcountrieshaveproducedsucharroganceandsnobbishnessasAmerica。ParticularlythisistrueoftheAmericanwomanofthemiddleclass。Shenotonlyconsidersherselftheequalofman，buthissuperior，especiallyinherpurity，goodness，andmorality。
SmallwonderthattheAmericansuffragistclaimsforhervotethemostmiraculouspowers。Inherexaltedconceitshedoesnotseehowtrulyenslavedsheis，notsomuchbyman，asbyherownsillynotionsandtraditions。Suffragecannotamelioratethatsadfact；
itcanonlyaccentuateit，asindeeditdoes。
OneofthegreatAmericanwomenleadersclaimsthatwomanisentitlednotonlytoequalpay，butthatsheoughttobelegallyentitledeventothepayofherhusband。Failingtosupporther，heshouldbeputinconvictstripes，andhisearningsinprisonbecollectedbyhisequalwife。Doesnotanotherbrilliantexponentofthecauseclaimforwomanthathervotewillabolishthesocialevil，whichhasbeenfoughtinvainbythecollectiveeffortsofthemostillustriousmindstheworldover？Itisindeedtoberegrettedthattheallegedcreatoroftheuniversehasalreadypresenteduswithhiswonderfulschemeofthings，elsewomansuffragewouldsurelyenablewomantooutdohimcompletely。
Nothingissodangerousasthedissectionofafetich。Ifwehaveoutlivedthetimewhensuchheresywaspunishableatthestake，wehavenotoutlivedthenarrowspiritofcondemnationofthosewhodaredifferwithacceptednotions。ThereforeIshallprobablybeputdownasanopponentofwoman。Butthatcannotdetermefromlookingthequestionsquarelyintheface。IrepeatwhatIhavesaidinthebeginning:Idonotbelievethatwomanwillmakepoliticsworse；norcanIbelievethatshecouldmakeitbetter。If，then，shecannotimproveonman’smistakes，whyperpetuatethelatter？
Historymaybeacompilationoflies；nevertheless，itcontainsafewtruths，andtheyaretheonlyguidewehaveforthefuture。Thehistoryofthepoliticalactivitiesofmenprovesthattheyhavegivenhimabsolutelynothingthathecouldnothaveachievedinamoredirect，lesscostly，andmorelastingmanner。Asamatteroffact，everyinchofgroundhehasgainedhasbeenthroughaconstantfight，aceaselessstruggleforself-assertion，andnotthroughsuffrage。Thereisnoreasonwhatevertoassumethatwoman，inherclimbtoemancipation，hasbeen，orwillbe，helpedbytheballot。
Inthedarkestofallcountries，Russia，withherabsolutedespotism，womanhasbecomeman’sequal，notthroughtheballot，butbyherwilltobeandtodo。Notonlyhassheconqueredforherselfeveryavenueoflearningandvocation，butshehaswonman’sesteem，hisrespect，hiscomradeship；aye，evenmorethanthat:shehasgainedtheadmiration，therespectofthewholeworld。That，too，notthroughsuffrage，butbyherwonderfulheroism，herfortitude，herability，willpower，andherenduranceinthestruggleforliberty。WherearethewomeninanysuffragecountryorStatethatcanlayclaimtosuchavictory？WhenweconsidertheaccomplishmentsofwomaninAmerica，wefindalsothatsomethingdeeperandmorepowerfulthansuffragehashelpedherinthemarchtoemancipation。
Itisjustsixty-twoyearsagosinceahandfulofwomenattheSenecaFallsConventionsetforthafewdemandsfortheirrighttoequaleducationwithmen，andaccesstothevariousprofessions，trades，etc。Whatwonderfulaccomplishment，whatwonderfultriumphs！Whobutthemostignorantdarespeakofwomanasameredomesticdrudge？
Whodaresuggestthatthisorthatprofessionshouldnotbeopentoher？Foroversixtyyearsshehasmoldedanewatmosphereandanewlifeforherself。Shehasbecomeaworldpowerineverydomainofhumanthoughtandactivity。Andallthatwithoutsuffrage，withouttherighttomakelaws，withoutthe"privilege"ofbecomingajudge，ajailer，oranexecutioner。
Yes，Imaybeconsideredanenemyofwoman；butifIcanhelpherseethelight，Ishallnotcomplain。
Themisfortuneofwomanisnotthatsheisunabletodotheworkofman，butthatsheiswastingherlifeforcetooutdohim，withatraditionofcenturieswhichhasleftherphysicallyincapableofkeepingpacewithhim。Oh，Iknowsomehavesucceeded，butatwhatcost，atwhatterrificcost！Theimportisnotthekindofworkwomandoes，butratherthequalityoftheworkshefurnishes。Shecangivesuffrageortheballotnonewquality，norcanshereceiveanythingfromitthatwillenhanceherownquality。Herdevelopment，herfreedom，herindependence，mustcomefromandthroughherself。
First，byassertingherselfasapersonality，andnotasasexcommodity。Second，byrefusingtherighttoanyoneoverherbody；byrefusingtobearchildren，unlessshewantsthem；byrefusingtobeaservanttoGod，theState，society，thehusband，thefamily，etc。；bymakingherlifesimpler，butdeeperandricher。Thatis，bytryingtolearnthemeaningandsubstanceoflifeinallitscomplexities，byfreeingherselffromthefearofpublicopinionandpubliccondemnation。Onlythat，andnottheballot，willsetwomanfree，willmakeheraforcehithertounknownintheworld，aforceforreallove，forpeace，forharmony；aforceofdivinefire，oflifegiving；
acreatoroffreemenandwomen。
THETRAGEDYOFWOMAN’SEMANCIPATION
Ibeginwithanadmission:Regardlessofallpoliticalandeconomictheories，treatingofthefundamentaldifferencesbetweenvariousgroupswithinthehumanrace，regardlessofclassandracedistinctions，regardlessofallartificialboundarylinesbetweenwoman’srightsandman’srights，Iholdthatthereisapointwherethesedifferentiationsmaymeetandgrowintooneperfectwhole。
WiththisIdonotmeantoproposeapeacetreaty。Thegeneralsocialantagonismwhichhastakenholdofourentirepubliclifetoday，broughtaboutthroughtheforceofopposingandcontradictoryinterests，willcrumbletopieceswhenthereorganizationofoursociallife，basedupontheprinciplesofeconomicjustice，shallhavebecomeareality。
Peaceorharmonybetweenthesexesandindividualsdoesnotnecessarilydependonasuperficialequalizationofhumanbeings；nordoesitcallfortheeliminationofindividualtraitsandpeculiarities。Theproblemthatconfrontsustoday，andwhichthenearestfutureistosolve，ishowtobeone’sselfandyetinonenesswithothers，tofeeldeeplywithallhumanbeingsandstillretainone’sowncharacteristicqualities。Thisseemstometobethebasisuponwhichthemassandtheindividual，thetruedemocratandthetrueindividuality，manandwoman，canmeetwithoutantagonismandopposition。Themottoshouldnotbe:Forgiveoneanother；rather，Understandoneanother。Theoft-quotedsentenceofMadamedeStael:"Tounderstandeverythingmeanstoforgiveeverything，"hasneverparticularlyappealedtome；ithastheodoroftheconfessional；toforgiveone’sfellow-beingconveystheideaofpharisaicalsuperiority。Tounderstandone’sfellow-beingsuffices。Theadmissionpartlyrepresentsthefundamentalaspectofmyviewsontheemancipationofwomananditseffectupontheentiresex。
Emancipationshouldmakeitpossibleforwomantobehumaninthetruestsense。Everythingwithinherthatcravesassertionandactivityshouldreachitsfullestexpression；allartificialbarriersshouldbebroken，andtheroadtowardsgreaterfreedomclearedofeverytraceofcenturiesofsubmissionandslavery。
Thiswastheoriginalaimofthemovementforwoman’semancipation。
Buttheresultssofarachievedhaveisolatedwomanandhaverobbedherofthefountainspringsofthathappinesswhichissoessentialtoher。Merelyexternalemancipationhasmadeofthemodernwomananartificialbeing，whoremindsoneoftheproductsofFrencharboriculturewithitsarabesquetreesandshrubs，pyramids，wheels，andwreaths；anything，excepttheformswhichwouldbereachedbytheexpressionofherowninnerqualities。Suchartificiallygrownplantsofthefemalesexaretobefoundinlargenumbers，especiallyintheso-calledintellectualsphereofourlife。
Libertyandequalityforwoman！Whathopesandaspirationsthesewordsawakenedwhentheywerefirstutteredbysomeofthenoblestandbravestsoulsofthosedays。Thesuninallhislightandglorywastoriseuponanewworld；inthisworldwomanwastobefreetodirectherowndestiny——anaimcertainlyworthyofthegreatenthusiasm，courage，perseverance，andceaselesseffortofthetremendoushostofpioneermenandwomen，whostakedeverythingagainstaworldofprejudiceandignorance。
Myhopesalsomovetowardsthatgoal，butIholdthattheemancipationofwoman，asinterpretedandpracticallyappliedtoday，hasfailedtoreachthatgreatend。Now，womanisconfrontedwiththenecessityofemancipatingherselffromemancipation，ifshereallydesirestobefree。Thismaysoundparadoxical，butis，nevertheless，onlytootrue。
Whathassheachievedthroughheremancipation？EqualsuffrageinafewStates。Hasthatpurifiedourpoliticallife，asmanywell-meaningadvocatespredicted？Certainlynot。Incidentally，itisreallytimethatpersonswithplain，soundjudgmentshouldceasetotalkaboutcorruptioninpoliticsinaboarding-schooltone。
Corruptionofpoliticshasnothingtodowiththemorals，orthelaxityofmorals，ofvariouspoliticalpersonalities。Itscauseisaltogetheramaterialone。Politicsisthereflexofthebusinessandindustrialworld，themottosofwhichare:"Totakeismoreblessedthantogive"；"buycheapandselldear"；"onesoiledhandwashestheother。"Thereisnohopeeventhatwoman，withherrighttovote，willeverpurifypolitics。
Emancipationhasbroughtwomaneconomicequalitywithman；thatis，shecanchooseherownprofessionandtrade；butasherpastandpresentphysicaltraininghasnotequippedherwiththenecessarystrengthtocompetewithman，sheisoftencompelledtoexhaustallherenergy，useuphervitality，andstraineverynerveinordertoreachthemarketvalue。Veryfeweversucceed，foritisafactthatwomenteachers，doctors，lawyers，architects，andengineersareneithermetwiththesameconfidenceastheirmalecolleagues，norreceiveequalremuneration。Andthosethatdoreachthatenticingequality，generallydosoattheexpenseoftheirphysicalandpsychicalwell-being。Astothegreatmassofworkinggirlsandwomen，howmuchindependenceisgainedifthenarrownessandlackoffreedomofthehomeisexchangedforthenarrownessandlackoffreedomofthefactory，sweat-shop，departmentstore，oroffice？Inadditionistheburdenwhichislaidonmanywomenoflookingaftera"home，sweethome"——cold，dreary，disorderly，uninviting——afteraday’shardwork。Gloriousindependence！Nowonderthathundredsofgirlsarewillingtoacceptthefirstofferofmarriage，sickandtiredoftheir"independence"behindthecounter，atthesewingortypewritingmachine。Theyarejustasreadytomarryasgirlsofthemiddleclass，wholongtothrowofftheyokeofparentalsupremacy。
Aso-calledindependencewhichleadsonlytoearningthemerestsubsistenceisnotsoenticing，notsoideal，thatonecouldexpectwomantosacrificeeverythingforit。Ourhighlypraisedindependenceis，afterall，butaslowprocessofdullingandstiflingwoman’snature，herloveinstinct，andhermotherinstinct。
Nevertheless，thepositionoftheworkinggirlisfarmorenaturalandhumanthanthatofherseeminglymorefortunatesisterinthemoreculturedprofessionalwalksoflife——teachers，physicians，lawyers，engineers，etc。，whohavetomakeadignified，properappearance，whiletheinnerlifeisgrowingemptyanddead。
Thenarrownessoftheexistingconceptionofwoman’sindependenceandemancipation；thedreadofloveforamanwhoisnothersocialequal；thefearthatlovewillrobherofherfreedomandindependence；thehorrorthatloveorthejoyofmotherhoodwillonlyhinderherinthefullexerciseofherprofession——allthesetogethermakeoftheemancipatedmodernwomanacompulsoryvestal，beforewhomlife，withitsgreatclarifyingsorrowsanditsdeep，entrancingjoys，rollsonwithouttouchingorgrippinghersoul。
Emancipation，asunderstoodbythemajorityofitsadherentsandexponents，isoftoonarrowascopetopermittheboundlessloveandecstasycontainedinthedeepemotionofthetruewoman，sweetheart，mother，infreedom。
Thetragedyoftheself-supportingoreconomicallyfreewomandoesnotlieintoomanybutintoofewexperiences。True，shesurpasseshersisterofpastgenerationsinknowledgeoftheworldandhumannature；itisjustbecauseofthisthatshefeelsdeeplythelackoflife’sessence，whichalonecanenrichthehumansoul，andwithoutwhichthemajorityofwomenhavebecomemereprofessionalautomatons。
Thatsuchastateofaffairswasboundtocomewasforeseenbythosewhorealizedthat，inthedomainofethics，therestillremainedmanydecayingruinsofthetimeoftheundisputedsuperiorityofman；
ruinsthatarestillconsidereduseful。And，whatismoreimportant，agoodlynumberoftheemancipatedareunabletogetalongwithoutthem。Everymovementthataimsatthedestructionofexistinginstitutionsandthereplacementthereofwithsomethingmoreadvanced，moreperfect，hasfollowerswhointheorystandforthemostradicalideas，butwho，nevertheless，intheirevery-daypractice，areliketheaveragePhilistine，feigningrespectabilityandclamoringforthegoodopinionoftheiropponents。Thereare，forexample，Socialists，andevenAnarchists，whostandfortheideathatpropertyisrobbery，yetwhowillgrowindignantifanyoneowethemthevalueofahalf-dozenpins。
ThesamePhilistinecanbefoundinthemovementforwoman’semancipation。Yellowjournalistsandmilk-and-waterlitterateurshavepaintedpicturesoftheemancipatedwomanthatmakethehairofthegoodcitizenandhisdullcompanionstanduponend。Everymemberofthewoman’srightsmovementwaspicturedasaGeorgeSandinherabsolutedisregardofmorality。Nothingwassacredtoher。
Shehadnorespectfortheidealrelationbetweenmanandwoman。Inshort，emancipationstoodonlyforarecklesslifeoflustandsin；
regardlessofsociety，religion，andmorality。Theexponentsofwoman’srightswerehighlyindignantatsuchrepresentation，and，lackinghumor，theyexertedalltheirenergytoprovethattheywerenotatallasbadastheywerepainted，buttheveryreverse。Ofcourse，aslongaswomanwastheslaveofman，shecouldnotbegoodandpure，butnowthatshewasfreeandindependentshewouldprovehowgoodshecouldbeandthatherinfluencewouldhaveapurifyingeffectonallinstitutionsinsociety。True，themovementforwoman’srightshasbrokenmanyoldfetters，butithasalsoforgednewones。ThegreatmovementofTRUEemancipationhasnotmetwithagreatraceofwomenwhocouldlooklibertyintheface。Theirnarrow，Puritanicalvisionbanishedman，asadisturberanddoubtfulcharacter，outoftheiremotionallife。Manwasnottobetoleratedatanyprice，exceptperhapsasthefatherofachild，sinceachildcouldnotverywellcometolifewithoutafather。Fortunately，themostrigidPuritansneverwillbestrongenoughtokilltheinnatecravingformotherhood。Butwoman’sfreedomiscloselyalliedwithman’sfreedom，andmanyofmyso-calledemancipatedsistersseemtooverlookthefactthatachildborninfreedomneedstheloveanddevotionofeachhumanbeingabouthim，manaswellaswoman。
Unfortunately，itisthisnarrowconceptionofhumanrelationsthathasbroughtaboutagreattragedyinthelivesofthemodernmanandwoman。
AboutfifteenyearsagoappearedaworkfromthepenofthebrilliantNorwegian，LauraMarholm，calledWOMAN，ACHARACTERSTUDY。Shewasoneofthefirsttocallattentiontotheemptinessandnarrownessoftheexistingconceptionofwoman’semancipation，anditstragiceffectupontheinnerlifeofwoman。InherworkLauraMarholmspeaksofthefateofseveralgiftedwomenofinternationalfame:thegenius，EleonoraDuse；thegreatmathematicianandwriter，SonyaKovalevskaia；theartistandpoet-nature，MarieBashkirtzeff，whodiedsoyoung。Througheachdescriptionofthelivesofthesewomenofsuchextraordinarymentalityrunsamarkedtrailofunsatisfiedcravingforafull，rounded，complete，andbeautifullife，andtheunrestandlonelinessresultingfromthelackofit。Throughthesemasterlypsychologicalsketches，onecannothelpbutseethatthehigherthementaldevelopmentofwoman，thelesspossibleitisforhertomeetacongenialmatewhowillseeinher，notonlysex，butalsothehumanbeing，thefriend，thecomradeandstrongindividuality，whocannotandoughtnotloseasingletraitofhercharacter。
Theaveragemanwithhisself-sufficiency，hisridiculouslysuperiorairsofpatronagetowardsthefemalesex，isanimpossibilityforwomanasdepictedintheCHARACTERSTUDYbyLauraMarholm。Equallyimpossibleforheristhemanwhocanseeinhernothingmorethanhermentalityandhergenius，andwhofailstoawakenherwomannature。
Arichintellectandafinesoulareusuallyconsiderednecessaryattributesofadeepandbeautifulpersonality。Inthecaseofthemodernwoman，theseattributesserveasahindrancetothecompleteassertionofherbeing。Foroverahundredyearstheoldformofmarriage，basedontheBible，"tilldeathdothpart，"hasbeendenouncedasaninstitutionthatstandsforthesovereigntyofthemanoverthewoman，ofhercompletesubmissiontohiswhimsandcommands，andabsolutedependenceonhisnameandsupport。Timeandagainithasbeenconclusivelyprovedthattheoldmatrimonialrelationrestrictedwomantothefunctionofaman’sservantandthebearerofhischildren。Andyetwefindmanyemancipatedwomenwhoprefermarriage，withallitsdeficiencies，tothenarrownessofanunmarriedlife；narrowandunendurablebecauseofthechainsofmoralandsocialprejudicethatcrampandbindhernature。
Theexplanationofsuchinconsistencyonthepartofmanyadvancedwomenistobefoundinthefactthattheynevertrulyunderstoodthemeaningofemancipation。Theythoughtthatallthatwasneededwasindependencefromexternaltyrannies；theinternaltyrants，farmoreharmfultolifeandgrowth——ethicalandsocialconventions——werelefttotakecareofthemselves；andtheyhavetakencareofthemselves。
Theyseemtogetalongasbeautifullyintheheadsandheartsofthemostactiveexponentsofwoman’semancipation，asintheheadsandheartsofourgrandmothers。
Theseinternaltyrants，whethertheybeintheformofpublicopinionorwhatwillmothersay，orbrother，father，aunt，orrelativeofanysort；whatwillMrs。Grundy，Mr。Comstock，theemployer，theBoardofEducationsay？Allthesebusybodies，moraldetectives，jailersofthehumanspirit，whatwilltheysay？Untilwomanhaslearnedtodefythemall，tostandfirmlyonherowngroundandtoinsistuponherownunrestrictedfreedom，tolistentothevoiceofhernature，whetheritcallforlife’sgreatesttreasure，loveforaman，orhermostgloriousprivilege，therighttogivebirthtoachild，shecannotcallherselfemancipated。Howmanyemancipatedwomenarebraveenoughtoacknowledgethatthevoiceofloveiscalling，wildlybeatingagainsttheirbreasts，demandingtobeheard，tobesatisfied。
TheFrenchwriter，JeanReibrach，inoneofhisnovels，NEWBEAUTY，attemptstopicturetheideal，beautiful，emancipatedwoman。Thisidealisembodiedinayounggirl，aphysician。Shetalksverycleverlyandwiselyofhowtofeedinfants；sheiskind，andadministersmedicinesfreetopoormothers。Sheconverseswithayoungmanofheracquaintanceaboutthesanitaryconditionsofthefuture，andhowvariousbacilliandgermsshallbeexterminatedbytheuseofstonewallsandfloors，andbythedoingawaywithrugsandhangings。Sheis，ofcourse，veryplainlyandpracticallydressed，mostlyinblack。Theyoungman，who，attheirfirstmeeting，wasoverawedbythewisdomofhisemancipatedfriend，graduallylearnstounderstandher，andrecognizesonefinedaythathelovesher。Theyareyoung，andsheiskindandbeautiful，andthoughalwaysinrigidattire，herappearanceissoftenedbyaspotlesslycleanwhitecollarandcuffs。Onewouldexpectthathewouldtellherofhislove，butheisnotonetocommitromanticabsurdities。Poetryandtheenthusiasmoflovecovertheirblushingfacesbeforethepurebeautyofthelady。Hesilencesthevoiceofhisnature，andremainscorrect。She，too，isalwaysexact，alwaysrational，alwayswellbehaved。Ifeariftheyhadformedaunion，theyoungmanwouldhaveriskedfreezingtodeath。ImustconfessthatIcanseenothingbeautifulinthisnewbeauty，whoisascoldasthestonewallsandfloorsshedreamsof。RatherwouldIhavethelovesongsofromanticages，ratherDonJuanandMadameVenus，ratheranelopementbyladderandropeonamoonlightnight，followedbythefather’scurse，mother’smoans，andthemoralcommentsofneighbors，thancorrectnessandproprietymeasuredbyyardsticks。Iflovedoesnotknowhowtogiveandtakewithoutrestrictions，itisnotlove，butatransactionthatneverfailstolaystressonaplusandaminus。
Thegreatestshortcomingoftheemancipationofthepresentdayliesinitsartificialstiffnessanditsnarrowrespectabilities，whichproduceanemptinessinwoman’ssoulthatwillnotletherdrinkfromthefountainoflife。Ionceremarkedthatthereseemedtobeadeeperrelationshipbetweentheold-fashionedmotherandhostess，everonthealertforthehappinessofherlittleonesandthecomfortofthosesheloved，andthetrulynewwoman，thanbetweenthelatterandheraverageemancipatedsister。Thedisciplesofemancipationpureandsimpledeclaredmeaheathen，fitonlyforthestake。Theirblindzealdidnotletthemseethatmycomparisonbetweentheoldandthenewwasmerelytoprovethatagoodlynumberofourgrandmothershadmorebloodintheirveins，farmorehumorandwit，andcertainlyagreateramountofnaturalness，kind-heartedness，andsimplicity，thanthemajorityofouremancipatedprofessionalwomenwhofillthecolleges，hallsoflearning，andvariousoffices。
Thisdoesnotmeanawishtoreturntothepast，nordoesitcondemnwomantoheroldsphere，thekitchenandthenursery。
Salvationliesinanenergeticmarchonwardtowardsabrighterandclearerfuture。Weareinneedofunhamperedgrowthoutofoldtraditionsandhabits。Themovementforwoman’semancipationhassofarmadebutthefirststepinthatdirection。Itistobehopedthatitwillgatherstrengthtomakeanother。Therighttovote，orequalcivilrights，maybegooddemands，buttrueemancipationbeginsneitheratthepollsnorincourts。Itbeginsinwoman’ssoul。
Historytellsusthateveryoppressedclassgainedtrueliberationfromitsmastersthroughitsownefforts。Itisnecessarythatwomanlearnthatlesson，thatsherealizethatherfreedomwillreachasfarasherpowertoachieveherfreedomreaches。Itis，therefore，farmoreimportantforhertobeginwithherinnerregeneration，tocutloosefromtheweightofprejudices，traditions，andcustoms。
Thedemandforequalrightsineveryvocationoflifeisjustandfair；but，afterall，themostvitalrightistherighttoloveandbeloved。Indeed，ifpartialemancipationistobecomeacompleteandtrueemancipationofwoman，itwillhavetodoawaywiththeridiculousnotionthattobeloved，tobesweetheartandmother，issynonymouswithbeingslaveorsubordinate。Itwillhavetodoawaywiththeabsurdnotionofthedualismofthesexes，orthatmanandwomanrepresenttwoantagonisticworlds。
Pettinessseparates；breadthunites。Letusbebroadandbig。Letusnotoverlookvitalthingsbecauseofthebulkoftriflesconfrontingus。Atrueconceptionoftherelationofthesexeswillnotadmitofconquerorandconquered；itknowsofbutonegreatthing:togiveofone’sselfboundlessly，inordertofindone’sselfricher，deeper，better。Thatalonecanfilltheemptiness，andtransformthetragedyofwoman’semancipationintojoy，limitlessjoy。
MARRIAGEANDLOVE
Thepopularnotionaboutmarriageandloveisthattheyaresynonymous，thattheyspringfromthesamemotives，andcoverthesamehumanneeds。Likemostpopularnotionsthisalsorestsnotonactualfacts，butonsuperstition。
Marriageandlovehavenothingincommon；theyareasfarapartasthepoles；are，infact，antagonistictoeachother。Nodoubtsomemarriageshavebeentheresultoflove。Not，however，becauselovecouldassertitselfonlyinmarriage；muchratherisitbecausefewpeoplecancompletelyoutgrowaconvention。Therearetodaylargenumbersofmenandwomentowhommarriageisnaughtbutafarce，butwhosubmittoitforthesakeofpublicopinion。Atanyrate，whileitistruethatsomemarriagesarebasedonlove，andwhileitisequallytruethatinsomecaseslovecontinuesinmarriedlife，I
maintainthatitdoessoregardlessofmarriage，andnotbecauseofit。
Ontheotherhand，itisutterlyfalsethatloveresultsfrommarriage。Onrareoccasionsonedoeshearofamiraculouscaseofamarriedcouplefallinginloveaftermarriage，butoncloseexaminationitwillbefoundthatitisamereadjustmenttotheinevitable。Certainlythegrowing-usedtoeachotherisfarawayfromthespontaneity，theintensity，andbeautyoflove，withoutwhichtheintimacyofmarriagemustprovedegradingtoboththewomanandtheman。
Marriageisprimarilyaneconomicarrangement，aninsurancepact。Itdiffersfromtheordinarylifeinsuranceagreementonlyinthatitismorebinding，moreexacting。Itsreturnsareinsignificantlysmallcomparedwiththeinvestments。Intakingoutaninsurancepolicyonepaysforitindollarsandcents，alwaysatlibertytodiscontinuepayments。If，however，woman’spremiumisherhusband，shepaysforitwithhername，herprivacy，herself-respect，herverylife，"untildeathdothpart。"Moreover，themarriageinsurancecondemnshertolife-longdependency，toparasitism，tocompleteuselessness，individualaswellassocial。Man，too，payshistoll，butashissphereiswider，marriagedoesnotlimithimasmuchaswoman。Hefeelshischainsmoreinaneconomicsense。
ThusDante’smottooverInfernoapplieswithequalforcetomarriage。
"Yewhoenterhereleaveallhopebehind。"
Thatmarriageisafailurenonebuttheverystupidwilldeny。Onehasbuttoglanceoverthestatisticsofdivorcetorealizehowbitterafailuremarriagereallyis。NorwillthestereotypedPhilistineargumentthatthelaxityofdivorcelawsandthegrowingloosenessofwomanaccountforthefactthat:first，everytwelfthmarriageendsindivorce；second，thatsince1870divorceshaveincreasedfrom28to73foreveryhundredthousandpopulation；third，thatadultery，since1867，asgroundfordivorce，hasincreased270。8
percent。；fourth，thatdesertionincreased369。8percent。
Addedtothesestartlingfiguresisavastamountofmaterial，dramaticandliterary，furtherelucidatingthissubject。RobertHerrick，inTOGETHER；Pinero，inMID-CHANNEL；EugeneWalter，inPAID
INFULL，andscoresofotherwritersarediscussingthebarrenness，themonotony，thesordidness，theinadequacyofmarriageasafactorforharmonyandunderstanding。
Thethoughtfulsocialstudentwillnotcontenthimselfwiththepopularsuperficialexcuseforthisphenomenon。Hewillhavetodigdeeperintotheverylifeofthesexestoknowwhymarriageprovessodisastrous。
EdwardCarpentersaysthatbehindeverymarriagestandsthelife-longenvironmentofthetwosexes；anenvironmentsodifferentfromeachotherthatmanandwomanmustremainstrangers。Separatedbyaninsurmountablewallofsuperstition，custom，andhabit，marriagehasnotthepotentialityofdevelopingknowledgeof，andrespectfor，eachother，withoutwhicheveryunionisdoomedtofailure。
HenrikIbsen，thehaterofallsocialshams，wasprobablythefirsttorealizethisgreattruth。Noraleavesherhusband，not——asthestupidcriticwouldhaveit——becausesheistiredofherresponsibilitiesorfeelstheneedofwoman’srights，butbecauseshehascometoknowthatforeightyearsshehadlivedwithastrangerandbornehimchildren。Cantherebeanythingmorehumiliating，moredegradingthanalife-longproximitybetweentwostrangers？Noneedforthewomantoknowanythingoftheman，savehisincome。Astotheknowledgeofthewoman——whatistheretoknowexceptthatshehasapleasingappearance？Wehavenotyetoutgrownthetheologicmyththatwomanhasnosoul，thatsheisamereappendixtoman，madeoutofhisribjustfortheconvenienceofthegentlemanwhowassostrongthathewasafraidofhisownshadow。
Perchancethepoorqualityofthematerialwhencewomancomesisresponsibleforherinferiority。Atanyrate，womanhasnosoul——whatistheretoknowabouther？Besides，thelesssoulawomanhasthegreaterherassetasawife，themorereadilywillsheabsorbherselfinherhusband。Itisthisslavishacquiescencetoman’ssuperioritythathaskeptthemarriageinstitutionseeminglyintactforsolongaperiod。Nowthatwomaniscomingintoherown，nowthatsheisactuallygrowingawareofherselfasbeingoutsideofthemaster’sgrace，thesacredinstitutionofmarriageisgraduallybeingundermined，andnoamountofsentimentallamentationcanstayit。
Frominfancy，almost，theaveragegirlistoldthatmarriageisherultimategoal；thereforehertrainingandeducationmustbedirectedtowardsthatend。Likethemutebeastfattenedforslaughter，sheispreparedforthat。Yet，strangetosay，sheisallowedtoknowmuchlessaboutherfunctionaswifeandmotherthantheordinaryartisanofhistrade。Itisindecentandfilthyforarespectablegirltoknowanythingofthemaritalrelation。Oh，fortheinconsistencyofrespectability，thatneedsthemarriagevowtoturnsomethingwhichisfilthyintothepurestandmostsacredarrangementthatnonedarequestionorcriticize。Yetthatisexactlytheattitudeoftheaverageupholderofmarriage。Theprospectivewifeandmotheriskeptincompleteignoranceofheronlyassetinthecompetitivefield——sex。Thussheentersintolife-longrelationswithamanonlytofindherselfshocked，repelled，outragedbeyondmeasurebythemostnaturalandhealthyinstinct，sex。Itissafetosaythatalargepercentageoftheunhappiness，misery，distress，andphysicalsufferingofmatrimonyisduetothecriminalignoranceinsexmattersthatisbeingextolledasagreatvirtue。NorisitatallanexaggerationwhenIsaythatmorethanonehomehasbeenbrokenupbecauseofthisdeplorablefact。
If，however，womanisfreeandbigenoughtolearnthemysteryofsexwithoutthesanctionofStateorChurch，shewillstandcondemnedasutterlyunfittobecomethewifeofa"good"man，hisgoodnessconsistingofanemptybrainandplentyofmoney。Cantherebeanythingmoreoutrageousthantheideathatahealthy，grownwoman，fulloflifeandpassion，mustdenynature’sdemand，mustsubduehermostintensecraving，undermineherhealthandbreakherspirit，muststunthervision，abstainfromthedepthandgloryofsexexperienceuntila"good"mancomesalongtotakeheruntohimselfasawife？
Thatispreciselywhatmarriagemeans。Howcansuchanarrangementendexceptinfailure？Thisisone，thoughnottheleastimportant，factorofmarriage，whichdifferentiatesitfromlove。
Oursisapracticalage。ThetimewhenRomeoandJulietriskedthewrathoftheirfathersforlove，whenGretchenexposedherselftothegossipofherneighborsforlove，isnomore。If，onrareoccasions，youngpeopleallowthemselvestheluxuryofromance，theyaretakenincarebytheelders，drilledandpoundeduntiltheybecome"sensible。"
Themorallessoninstilledinthegirlisnotwhetherthemanhasarousedherlove，butratherisit，"Howmuch？"TheimportantandonlyGodofpracticalAmericanlife:Canthemanmakealiving？canhesupportawife？Thatistheonlythingthatjustifiesmarriage。
Graduallythissaturateseverythoughtofthegirl；herdreamsarenotofmoonlightandkisses，oflaughterandtears；shedreamsofshoppingtoursandbargaincounters。Thissoulpovertyandsordidnessaretheelementsinherentinthemarriageinstitution。
TheStateandChurchapproveofnootherideal，simplybecauseitistheonethatnecessitatestheStateandChurchcontrolofmenandwomen。
Doubtlesstherearepeoplewhocontinuetoconsiderloveabovedollarsandcents。Particularlythisistrueofthatclasswhomeconomicnecessityhasforcedtobecomeself-supporting。Thetremendouschangeinwoman’sposition，wroughtbythatmightyfactor，isindeedphenomenalwhenwereflectthatitisbutashorttimesinceshehasenteredtheindustrialarena。Sixmillionwomenwageworkers；sixmillionwomen，whohaveequalrightwithmentobeexploited，toberobbed，togoonstrike；aye，tostarveeven。
Anythingmore，mylord？Yes，sixmillionwageworkersineverywalkoflife，fromthehighestbrainworktotheminesandrailroadtracks；yes，evendetectivesandpolicemen。Surelytheemancipationiscomplete。
Yetwithallthat，butaverysmallnumberofthevastarmyofwomenwageworkerslookuponworkasapermanentissue，inthesamelightasdoesman。Nomatterhowdecrepitthelatter，hehasbeentaughttobeindependent，self-supporting。Oh，Iknowthatnooneisreallyindependentinoureconomictreadmill；still，thepoorestspecimenofamanhatestobeaparasite；tobeknownassuch，atanyrate。
Thewomanconsidersherpositionasworkertransitory，tobethrownasideforthefirstbidder。Thatiswhyitisinfinitelyhardertoorganizewomenthanmen。"WhyshouldIjoinaunion？Iamgoingtogetmarried，tohaveahome。"Hasshenotbeentaughtfrominfancytolookuponthatasherultimatecalling？Shelearnssoonenoughthatthehome，thoughnotsolargeaprisonasthefactory，hasmoresoliddoorsandbars。Ithasakeepersofaithfulthatnaughtcanescapehim。Themosttragicpart，however，isthatthehomenolongerfreesherfromwageslavery；itonlyincreaseshertask。
AccordingtothelateststatisticssubmittedbeforeaCommittee"onlaborandwages，andcongestionofpopulation，"tenpercent。ofthewageworkersinNewYorkCityalonearemarried，yettheymustcontinuetoworkatthemostpoorlypaidlaborintheworld。Addtothishorribleaspectthedrudgeryofhousework，andwhatremainsoftheprotectionandgloryofthehome？Asamatteroffact，eventhemiddle-classgirlinmarriagecannotspeakofherhome，sinceitisthemanwhocreateshersphere。Itisnotimportantwhetherthehusbandisabruteoradarling。WhatIwishtoproveisthatmarriageguaranteeswomanahomeonlybythegraceofherhusband。
ThereshemovesaboutinHIShome，yearafteryear，untilheraspectoflifeandhumanaffairsbecomesasflat，narrow，anddrabashersurroundings。Smallwonderifshebecomesanag，petty，quarrelsome，gossipy，unbearable，thusdrivingthemanfromthehouse。Shecouldnotgo，ifshewantedto；thereisnoplacetogo。Besides，ashortperiodofmarriedlife，ofcompletesurrenderofallfaculties，absolutelyincapacitatestheaveragewomanfortheoutsideworld。
Shebecomesrecklessinappearance，clumsyinhermovements，dependentinherdecisions，cowardlyinherjudgment，aweightandabore，whichmostmengrowtohateanddespise。Wonderfullyinspiringatmosphereforthebearingoflife，isitnot？
Butthechild，howisittobeprotected，ifnotformarriage？Afterall，isnotthatthemostimportantconsideration？Thesham，thehypocrisyofit！Marriageprotectingthechild，yetthousandsofchildrendestituteandhomeless。Marriageprotectingthechild，yetorphanasylumsandreformatoriesovercrowded，theSocietyforthePreventionofCrueltytoChildrenkeepingbusyinrescuingthelittlevictimsfrom"loving"parents，toplacethemundermorelovingcare，theGerrySociety。Oh，themockeryofit！
Marriagemayhavethepowertobringthehorsetowater，buthasitevermadehimdrink？Thelawwillplacethefatherunderarrest，andputhiminconvict’sclothes；buthasthateverstilledthehungerofthechild？Iftheparenthasnowork，orifhehideshisidentity，whatdoesmarriagedothen？Itinvokesthelawtobringthemanto"justice，"toputhimsafelybehindcloseddoors；hislabor，however，goesnottothechild，buttotheState。Thechildreceivesbutablightedmemoryofhisfather’sstripes。
Astotheprotectionofthewoman，——thereinliesthecurseofmarriage。Notthatitreallyprotectsher，buttheveryideaissorevolting，suchanoutrageandinsultonlife，sodegradingtohumandignity，astoforevercondemnthisparasiticinstitution。
Itislikethatotherpaternalarrangement——capitalism。Itrobsmanofhisbirthright，stuntshisgrowth，poisonshisbody，keepshiminignorance，inpoverty，anddependence，andtheninstitutescharitiesthatthriveonthelastvestigeofman’sself-respect。
Theinstitutionofmarriagemakesaparasiteofwoman，anabsolutedependent。Itincapacitatesherforlife’sstruggle，annihilateshersocialconsciousness，paralyzesherimagination，andthenimposesitsgraciousprotection，whichisinrealityasnare，atravestyonhumancharacter。
Ifmotherhoodisthehighestfulfillmentofwoman’snature，whatotherprotectiondoesitneed，saveloveandfreedom？Marriagebutdefiles，outrages，andcorruptsherfulfillment。Doesitnotsaytowoman，Onlywhenyoufollowmeshallyoubringforthlife？Doesitnotcondemnhertotheblock，doesitnotdegradeandshameherifsherefusestobuyherrighttomotherhoodbysellingherself？Doesnotmarriageonlysanctionmotherhood，eventhoughconceivedinhatred，incompulsion？Yet，ifmotherhoodbeoffreechoice，oflove，ofecstasy，ofdefiantpassion，doesitnotplaceacrownofthornsuponaninnocentheadandcarveinlettersofbloodthehideousepithet，Bastard？Weremarriagetocontainallthevirtuesclaimedforit，itscrimesagainstmotherhoodwouldexcludeitforeverfromtherealmoflove。
Love，thestrongestanddeepestelementinalllife，theharbingerofhope，ofjoy，ofecstasy；love，thedefierofalllaws，ofallconventions；love，thefreest，themostpowerfulmoulderofhumandestiny；howcansuchanall-compellingforcebesynonymouswiththatpoorlittleStateandChurch-begottenweed，marriage？
Freelove？Asifloveisanythingbutfree！Manhasboughtbrains，butallthemillionsintheworldhavefailedtobuylove。Manhassubduedbodies，butallthepoweronearthhasbeenunabletosubduelove。Manhasconqueredwholenations，butallhisarmiescouldnotconquerlove。Manhaschainedandfetteredthespirit，buthehasbeenutterlyhelplessbeforelove。Highonathrone，withallthesplendorandpomphisgoldcancommand，manisyetpooranddesolate，iflovepasseshimby。Andifitstays，thepooresthovelisradiantwithwarmth，withlifeandcolor。Thuslovehasthemagicpowertomakeofabeggaraking。Yes，loveisfree；itcandwellinnootheratmosphere。Infreedomitgivesitselfunreservedly，abundantly，completely。Allthelawsonthestatutes，allthecourtsintheuniverse，cannottearitfromthesoil，oncelovehastakenroot。
If，however，thesoilissterile，howcanmarriagemakeitbearfruit？Itislikethelastdesperatestruggleoffleetinglifeagainstdeath。
Loveneedsnoprotection；itisitsownprotection。Solongaslovebegetslifenochildisdeserted，orhungry，orfamishedforthewantofaffection。Iknowthistobetrue。Iknowwomenwhobecamemothersinfreedombythementheyloved。Fewchildreninwedlockenjoythecare，theprotection，thedevotionfreemotherhoodiscapableofbestowing。
Thedefendersofauthoritydreadtheadventofafreemotherhood，lestitwillrobthemoftheirprey。Whowouldfightwars？Whowouldcreatewealth？Whowouldmakethepoliceman，thejailer，ifwomanweretorefusetheindiscriminatebreedingofchildren？Therace，therace！shoutstheking，thepresident，thecapitalist，thepriest。Theracemustbepreserved，thoughwomanbedegradedtoameremachine，——andthemarriageinstitutionisouronlysafetyvalveagainstthepernicioussexawakeningofwoman。Butinvainthesefranticeffortstomaintainastateofbondage。Invain，too，theedictsoftheChurch，themadattacksofrulers，invaineventhearmofthelaw。Womannolongerwantstobeapartytotheproductionofaraceofsickly，feeble，decrepit，wretchedhumanbeings，whohaveneitherthestrengthnormoralcouragetothrowofftheyokeofpovertyandslavery。Insteadshedesiresfewerandbetterchildren，begottenandrearedinloveandthroughfreechoice；notbycompulsion，asmarriageimposes。Ourpseudo-moralistshaveyettolearnthedeepsenseofresponsibilitytowardthechild，thatloveinfreedomhasawakenedinthebreastofwoman。Ratherwouldsheforegoforeverthegloryofmotherhoodthanbringforthlifeinanatmospherethatbreathesonlydestructionanddeath。Andifshedoesbecomeamother，itistogivetothechildthedeepestandbestherbeingcanyield。Togrowwiththechildishermotto；sheknowsthatinthatmanneralonecanshehelpbuildtruemanhoodandwomanhood。
Ibsenmusthavehadavisionofafreemother，when，withamasterstroke，heportrayedMrs。Alving。Shewastheidealmotherbecauseshehadoutgrownmarriageandallitshorrors，becauseshehadbrokenherchains，andsetherspiritfreetosoaruntilitreturnedapersonality，regeneratedandstrong。Alas，itwastoolatetorescueherlife’sjoy，herOswald；butnottoolatetorealizethatloveinfreedomistheonlyconditionofabeautifullife。Thosewho，likeMrs。Alving，havepaidwithbloodandtearsfortheirspiritualawakening，repudiatemarriageasanimposition，ashallow，emptymockery。Theyknow，whetherlovelastbutonebriefspanoftimeorforeternity，itistheonlycreative，inspiring，elevatingbasisforanewrace，anewworld。
Inourpresentpygmystateloveisindeedastrangertomostpeople。
Misunderstoodandshunned，itrarelytakesroot；orifitdoes，itsoonwithersanddies。Itsdelicatefibercannotendurethestressandstrainofthedailygrind。Itssoulistoocomplextoadjustitselftotheslimywoofofoursocialfabric。Itweepsandmoansandsufferswiththosewhohaveneedofit，yetlackthecapacitytorisetolove’ssummit。
Someday，somedaymenandwomenwillrise，theywillreachthemountainpeak，theywillmeetbigandstrongandfree，readytoreceive，topartake，andtobaskinthegoldenraysoflove。Whatfancy，whatimagination，whatpoeticgeniuscanforeseeevenapproximatelythepotentialitiesofsuchaforceinthelifeofmenandwomen。Iftheworldisevertogivebirthtotruecompanionshipandoneness，notmarriage，butlovewillbetheparent。
THEMODERNDRAMA:APOWERFULDISSEMINATOROFRADICALTHOUGHT
Solongasdiscontentandunrestmakethemselvesbutdumblyfeltwithinalimitedsocialclass，thepowersofreactionmayoftensucceedinsuppressingsuchmanifestations。Butwhenthedumbunrestgrowsintoconsciousexpressionandbecomesalmostuniversal，itnecessarilyaffectsallphasesofhumanthoughtandaction，andseeksitsindividualandsocialexpressioninthegradualtransvaluationofexistingvalues。
Anadequateappreciationofthetremendousspreadofthemodern，conscioussocialunrestcannotbegainedfrommerelypropagandisticliterature。Rathermustwebecomeconversantwiththelargerphasesofhumanexpressionmanifestinart，literature，and，aboveall，themoderndrama——thestrongestandmostfar-reachinginterpreterofourdeep-feltdissatisfaction。
WhatatremendousfactorfortheawakeningofconsciousdiscontentarethesimplecanvassesofaMillet！Thefiguresofhispeasants——whatterrificindictmentagainstoursocialwrongs；wrongsthatcondemntheManWiththeHoetohopelessdrudgery，himselfexcludedfromNature’sbounty。
ThevisionofaMeunierconceivesthegrowingsolidarityanddefianceoflaborinthegroupofminerscarryingtheirmaimedbrothertosafety。Hisgeniusthuspowerfullyportraystheinterrelationoftheseethingunrestamongthoseslavinginthebowelsoftheearth，andthespiritualrevoltthatseeksartisticexpression。
Nolessimportantisthefactorforrebelliousawakeninginmodernliterature——Turgeniev，Dostoyevsky，Tolstoy，Andreiev，Gorki，Whitman，Emerson，andscoresofothersembodyingthespiritofuniversalfermentandthelongingforsocialchange。
Stillmorefar-reachingisthemoderndrama，astheleavenofradicalthoughtandthedisseminatorofnewvalues。
Itmightseemanexaggerationtoascribetothemoderndramasuchanimportantrole。Butastudyofthedevelopmentofmodernideasinmostcountrieswillprovethatthedramahassucceededindrivinghomegreatsocialtruths，truthsgenerallyignoredwhenpresentedinotherforms。Nodoubtthereareexceptions，asRussiaandFrance。
Russia，withitsterriblepoliticalpressure，hasmadepeoplethinkandhasawakenedtheirsocialsympathies，becauseofthetremendouscontrastwhichexistsbetweentheintellectuallifeofthepeopleandthedespoticregimethatistryingtocrushthatlife。YetwhilethegreatdramaticworksofTolstoy，Tchechov，Gorki，andAndreievcloselymirrorthelifeandthestruggle，thehopesandaspirationsoftheRussianpeople，theydidnotinfluenceradicalthoughttotheextentthedramahasdoneinothercountries。
Whocandeny，however，thetremendousinfluenceexertedbyTHEPOWER
OFDARKNESSorNIGHTLODGING。Tolstoy，thereal，trueChristian，isyetthegreatestenemyoforganizedChristianity。Withamasterhandheportraysthedestructiveeffectsuponthehumanmindofthepowerofdarkness，thesuperstitionsoftheChristianChurch。
Whatothermediumcouldexpress，withsuchdramaticforce，theresponsibilityoftheChurchforcrimescommittedbyitsdeludedvictims；whatothermediumcould，inconsequence，rousetheindignationofman’sconscience？
SimilarlydirectandpowerfulistheindictmentcontainedinGorki’sNIGHTLODGING。Thesocialpariahs，forcedintopovertyandcrime，yetdesperatelyclutchatthelastvestigesofhopeandaspiration。
Lostexistencesthese，blightedandcrushedbycruel，unsocialenvironment。
France，ontheotherhand，withhercontinuousstruggleforliberty，isindeedthecradleofradicalthought；assuchshe，too，didnotneedthedramaasameansofawakening。AndyettheworksofBrieux——asROBEROUGE，portrayingtheterriblecorruptionofthejudiciary——andMirbeau’sLESAFFAIRESSONTLESAFFAIRES——picturingthedestructiveinfluenceofwealthonthehumansoul——haveundoubtedlyreachedwidercirclesthanmostofthearticlesandbookswhichhavebeenwritteninFranceonthesocialquestion。
IncountrieslikeGermany，Scandinavia，England，andeveninAmerica——thoughinalesserdegree——thedramaisthevehiclewhichisreallymakinghistory，disseminatingradicalthoughtinranksnototherwisetobereached。
LetustakeGermany，forinstance。Fornearlyaquarterofacenturymenofbrains，ofideas，andofthegreatestintegrity，madeittheirlife-worktospreadthetruthofhumanbrotherhood，ofjustice，amongtheoppressedanddowntrodden。Socialism，thattremendousrevolutionarywave，wastothevictimsofamercilessandinhumanesystemlikewatertotheparchedlipsofthedeserttraveler。Alas！
Theculturedpeopleremainedabsolutelyindifferent；tothemthatrevolutionarytidewasbutthemurmurofdissatisfied，discontentedmen，dangerous，illiteratetroublemakers，whoseproperplacewasbehindprisonbars。
Self-satisfiedasthe"cultured"usuallyare，theycouldnotunderstandwhyoneshouldfussaboutthefactthatthousandsofpeoplewerestarving，thoughtheycontributedtowardsthewealthoftheworld。Surroundedbybeautyandluxury，theycouldnotbelievethatsidebysidewiththemlivedhumanbeingsdegradedtoapositionlowerthanabeast’s，shelterlessandragged，withouthopeorambition。
ThisconditionofaffairswasparticularlypronouncedinGermanyaftertheFranco-Germanwar。Fulltotheburstingpointwithitsvictory，Germanythrivedonasentimental，patrioticliterature，therebypoisoningthemindsofthecountry’syouthbythegloryofconquestandbloodshed。
IntellectualGermanyhadtotakerefugeintheliteratureofothercountries，intheworksofIbsen，Zola，Daudet，Maupassant，andespeciallyinthegreatworksofDostoyevsky，Tolstoy，andTurgeniev。
Butasnocountrycanlongmaintainastandardofculturewithoutaliteratureanddramarelatedtoitsownsoil，soGermanygraduallybegantodevelopadramareflectingthelifeandthestrugglesofitsownpeople。
ArnoHolz，oneoftheyoungestdramatistsofthatperiod，startledthePhilistinesoutoftheireaseandcomfortwithhisFAMILIE
SELICKE。Theplaydealswithsociety’srefuse，menandwomenofthealleys，whoseonlysubsistenceconsistsofwhattheycanpickoutofthegarbagebarrels。Agruesomesubject，isitnot？Andyetwhatothermethodistheretobreakthroughthehardshellofthemindsandsoulsofpeoplewhohaveneverknownwant，andwhothereforeassumethatalliswellintheworld？
Needlesstosay，theplayarousedtremendousindignation。Thetruthisbitter，andthepeoplelivingontheFifthAvenueofBerlinhatedtobeconfrontedwiththetruth。
NotthatFAMILIESELICKErepresentedanythingthathadnotbeenwrittenaboutforyearswithoutanyseemingresult。ButthedramaticgeniusofHolz，togetherwiththepowerfulinterpretationoftheplay，necessarilymadeinroadsintothewidestcircles，andforcedpeopletothinkabouttheterribleinequalitiesaroundthem。
Sudermann’sEHRE*andHEIMAT**dealwithvitalsubjects。IhavealreadyreferredtothesentimentalpatriotismsocompletelyturningtheheadoftheaverageGermanastocreateapervertedconceptionofhonor。Duellingbecameanevery-dayaffair，costinginnumerablelives。Agreatcrywasraisedagainstthefadbyanumberofleadingwriters。ButnothingactedassuchaclarifierandexposerofthatnationaldiseaseastheEHRE——
*HONOR。
**MAGDA——
Notthattheplaymerelydealswithduelling；itanalyzestherealmeaningofhonor，provingthatitisnotafixed，inbornfeeling，butthatitvarieswitheverypeopleandeveryepoch，dependingparticularlyonone’seconomicandsocialstationinlife。Werealizefromthisplaythatthemaninthebrownstonemansionwillnecessarilydefinehonordifferentlyfromhisvictims。
ThefamilyHeineckeenjoysthecharityofthemillionaireMuhling，beingpermittedtooccupyadilapidatedshantyonhispremisesintheabsenceoftheirson，Robert。Thelatter，asMuhling’srepresentative，ismakingavastfortuneforhisemployerinIndia。
OnhisreturnRobertdiscoversthathissisterhadbeenseducedbyyoungMuhling，whosefathergraciouslyofferstostraightenmatterswithacheckfor40，000marks。Robert，outragedandindignant，resentstheinsulttohisfamily’shonor，andisforthwithdismissedfromhispositionforimpudence。Robertfinallythrowsthisaccusationintothefaceofthephilanthropistmillionaire:
"Weslaveforyou，wesacrificeourheart’sbloodforyou，whileyouseduceourdaughtersandsistersandkindlypayfortheirdisgracewiththegoldwehaveearnedforyou。Thatiswhatyoucallhonor。"
Anincidentalside-lightupontheconceptionofhonorisgivenbyCountTrast，theprincipalcharacterintheEHRE，amanwidelyconversantwiththecustomsofvariousclimes，whorelatesthatinhismanytravelshechancedacrossasavagetribewhosehonorhemortallyoffendedbyrefusingthehospitalitywhichofferedhimthecharmsofthechieftain’swife。
ThethemeofHEIMATtreatsofthestrugglebetweentheoldandtheyounggenerations。Itholdsapermanentandimportantplaceindramaticliterature。
Magda，thedaughterofLieutenantColonelSchwartz，hascommittedanunpardonablesin:sherefusedthesuitorselectedbyherfather。Fordaringtodisobeytheparentalcommandssheisdrivenfromhome。
Magda，fulloflifeandthespiritofliberty，goesoutintotheworldtoreturntohernativetown，twelveyearslater，acelebratedsinger。Sheconsentstovisitherparentsonconditionthattheyrespecttheprivacyofherpast。Buthermartinetfatherimmediatelybeginstoquestionher，insistingonhis"paternalrights。"Magdaisindignant，butgraduallyhispersistencebringstolightthetragedyofherlife。HelearnsthattherespectedCouncillorVonKellerhadinhisstudentdaysbeenMagda’slover，whileshewasbattlingforhereconomicandsocialindependence。Theconsequenceofthefleetingromancewasachild，desertedbythemanevenbeforebirth。
TherigidmilitaryfatherofMagdademandsasretributionfromCouncillorVonKellerthathelegalizetheloveaffair。InviewofMagda’ssocialandprofessionalsuccess，Kellerwillinglyconsents，butonconditionthatsheforsakethestage，andplacethechildinaninstitution。ThestrugglebetweentheOldandtheNewculminatesinMagda’sdefiantwordsofthewomangrowntoconsciousindependenceofthoughtandaction:"……I’llsaywhatIthinkofyou——ofyouandyourrespectablesociety。WhyshouldIbeworsethanyouthatI
mustprolongmyexistenceamongyoubyalie！Whyshouldthisgolduponmybody，andthelustrewhichsurroundsmyname，onlyincreasemyinfamy？HaveInotworkedearlyandlatefortenlongyears？
HaveInotwoventhisdresswithsleeplessnights？HaveInotbuiltupmycareerstepbystep，likethousandsofmykind？WhyshouldI
blushbeforeanyone？Iammyself，andthroughmyselfIhavebecomewhatIam。"
ThegeneralthemeofHEIMATwasnotoriginal。IthadbeenpreviouslytreatedbyamasterhandinFATHERSANDSONS。PartlybecauseTurgeniev’sgreatworkwastypicalratherofRussianthanuniversalconditions，andstillmorebecauseitwasintheformoffiction，theinfluenceofFATHERSANDSONSwaslimitedtoRussia。ButHEIMAT，especiallybecauseofitsdramaticexpression，becamealmostaworldfactor。
Thedramatistwhonotonlydisseminatedradicalism，butliterallyrevolutionizedthethoughtfulGermans，isGerhardtHauptmann。HisfirstplayVORSONNENAUFGANG*，refusedbyeveryleadingGermantheatreandfirstperformedinawretchedlittleplayhousebehindabeergarden，actedlikeastrokeoflightning，illuminatingtheentiresocialhorizon。Itssubjectmatterdealswiththelifeofanextensivelandowner，ignorant，illiterate，andbrutalized，andhiseconomicslavesofthesamementalcalibre。Theinfluenceofwealth，bothonthevictimswhocreateditandthepossessorthereof，isshowninthemostvividcolors，asresultingindrunkenness，idiocy，anddecay。ButthemoststrikingfeatureofVORSONNENAUFGANG，theonewhichbroughtashowerofabuseonHauptmann’shead，wasthequestionastotheindiscriminatebreedingofchildrenbyunfitparents——
*BEFORESUNRISE——
DuringthesecondperformanceoftheplayaleadingBerlinsurgeonalmostcausedapanicinthetheatrebyswingingapairofforcepsoverhisheadandscreamingatthetopofhisvoice:"ThedecencyandmoralityofGermanyareatstakeifchildbirthistobediscussedopenlyfromthestage。"Thesurgeonisforgotten，andHauptmannstandsacolossalfigurebeforetheworld。
WhenDIEWEBER*firstsawthelight，pandemoniumbrokeoutinthelandofthinkersandpoets。"What，"criedthemoralists，"workingmen，dirty，filthyslaves，tobeputonthestage！Povertyinallitshorrorsanduglinesstobedishedoutasanafter-dinneramusement？Thatistoomuch！"——
*THEWEAVERS——
Indeed，itwastoomuchforthefatandgreasybourgeoisietobebroughtfacetofacewiththehorrorsoftheweaver’sexistence。Itwastoomuchbecauseofthetruthandrealitythatranglikethunderinthedeafearsofself-satisfiedsociety，J’ACCUSE！
Ofcourse，itwasgenerallyknownevenbeforetheappearanceofthisdramathatcapitalcannotgetfatunlessitdevourslabor，thatwealthcannotbehoardedexceptthroughthechannelsofpoverty，hunger，andcold；butsuchthingsarebetterkeptinthedark，lestthevictimsawakentoarealizationoftheirposition。Butitisthepurposeofthemoderndramatorousetheconsciousnessoftheoppressed；andthat，indeed，wasthepurposeofGerhardtHauptmannindepictingtotheworldtheconditionsoftheweaversinSilesia。
Humanbeingsworkingeighteenhoursdaily，yetnotearningenoughforbreadandfuel；humanbeingslivinginbroken，wretchedhutshalfcoveredwithsnow，andnothingbuttatterstoprotectthemfromthecold；infantscoveredwithscurvyfromhungerandexposure；pregnantwomeninthelaststagesofconsumption。VictimsofabenevolentChristianera，withoutlife，withouthope，withoutwarmth。Ah，yes，itwastoomuch！
Hauptmann’sdramaticversatilitydealswitheverystratumofsociallife。Besidesportrayingthegrindingeffectofeconomicconditions，healsotreatsofthestruggleoftheindividualforhismentalandspiritualliberationfromtheslaveryofconventionandtradition。
ThusHeinrich，thebell-forger，inthedramaticprose-poem，DIE
VERSUNKENEGLOCKE*，failstoreachthemountainpeaksoflibertybecause，asRautendeleinsaid，hehadlivedinthevalleytoolong。
SimilarlyDr。VockerathandAnnaMaarremainlonelysoulsbecausethey，too，lackthestrengthtodefyveneratedtraditions。Yettheirveryfailuremustawakentherebelliousspiritagainstaworldforeverhinderingindividualandsocialemancipation——
*THESUNKENBELL