Change is inevitable; it grows with the next generation and from time to time creeps into those who do not seek it. This applies to music, fashion, literature, religion and even politics. The course of each of these topics can change dramatically in a short period, however, the basic principles of each are never truly lost. The repetition of once obsolete ideals can be demonstrated simply by looking at the past and comparing it to our current situation. This is also seen in literary plots ranging from 1800 to today. The novels I am focusing on, Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels and Charlotte Perkins Gilman's Herland, are two excellent examples of retrograde literature and the ability of essential doctrines to pass from the past to the novels of the future. Although authors may do this unknowingly, they are responsible for this continuation and for producing novels with the same or similar concepts. Although Gulliver's Travels was written before Herland, both mention politics and religion as overarching themes throughout the stories. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Gulliver's Travels covers the adventures of Lemuel Gulliver as he discovers a series of unknown colonies with peculiar residents. Although his initial reaction, when he arrives in Lilliput, is one of shock to the tiny citizens who attempt to detain him, he is also introduced to the political system that is the kingdom of Lilliput. The emperor, a hospitable man once Gulliver provides him with decent entertainment and protection, rules a noble system and kingdom. This usually successful model is corrupted by the emperor's desire to place his friends and loved ones in positions of power, an act of blatant nepotism. Comparably, the king of the Brobdingnagians often contemplates the actions necessary for his rule to be at least acceptable, at most exceptional. Other kings, such as the one who reigns over Luggnaggia, refused to consider the political implications of his actions; he chose instead to force his subjects to flatter him and obey his every order and command. Ultimately, the Laputian king chose monetary gain over the success of his kingdom, selling off the lands around him and gaining power through money, not respect. Swift may not be inherently misogynistic, but his continued placement of a male as the head of all fictional governments in his novel perpetuates the stereotype that women are incapable of leading. This is most likely due to the time period in which Gulliver's Travels was produced, it's simply an unfortunate view to have, especially when compared to Herland's equality-driven society. The patriarchal model seen in Gulliver's Travels does not easily overlap with the socialist society seen in Herland. Rather than uplifting a single person or a small class of wealthy individuals, the women within Herland's society shift their focus to communal peace. The act of treating the entire community as if it were one big family produces individual members who care more about their sisters than about themselves. While some may consider it self-destructive, for this particular society the concept of socialism provides a simple and reliable community in which they can raise their children. Common education and community farming ensure that inequalities do not occur, thus also ensuring that there are no arguments over “special treatment”. Furthermore, the lack of laws demonstrates the progress these women have already made; there is no violence or need for disagreement because they have achieved theirs.