Charlotte Anna Perkins Gilman’s poem “The Anti-Suffragists” criticizes women who oppose the fight for women’s suffrage, meaning the right to vote. Gilman, a famous advocate for women’s rights, uses this poem to highlight the different types of women who argue against suffrage. She describes how their motivations are often selfish, ignorant, or misguided. The poem is a strong and clear call for recognizing the importance of equal rights and the damaging effects of opposing progress.

The Anti-Suffragists by Charlotte Anna Perkins Gilman Summary

The poem starts by describing wealthy, fashionable women who live in luxury and depend on men to provide everything for them. These women are surrounded by servants, enjoy high social status, and are treated with respect and courtesy. They have men to pay their bills, serve them, and fulfill all their needs. Because they are so comfortable, they see no need for additional rights or changes. They tell everyone that they have “all the rights they want” because they already enjoy a privileged lifestyle. Gilman criticizes these women for being disconnected from the reality of other women’s struggles and for not supporting the fight for equal rights.

Next, Gilman talks about successful women who have made their way in the world, either on their own or with some help from friends or by using their influence as women. These women might have worked hard or used charm and connections to achieve their goals. However, despite their success, they do not care about the challenges faced by other women. They only focus on their own achievements and have no interest in helping others gain more rights. They are satisfied with their own status and do not see the need for change. These women, too, say they have “all the rights they want,” ignoring the larger fight for equality.

Gilman then moves on to describe religious women who follow a conservative and restrictive type of religion. These women believe that life is about submission, sacrifice, and renunciation, which means giving up personal desires and accepting their limited roles. They see themselves as weak and passive, hoping for a reward in heaven rather than striving for a better life on earth. These women reject the suffrage movement because they see their ideal as one of withdrawal from the world, not engagement. They believe their rights are sufficient because they expect to be rewarded in the afterlife, rather than seeking justice and rights in their current lives.

The poem also addresses women who are ignorant, even if they have received a college education. Gilman points out that some of these women lack a real understanding of the struggles and sacrifices made by past generations to secure the rights they now enjoy. They don’t recognize how the privileges they have were won through the hard work and pain of others, including battles for justice and equality. These women are content with the way things are and argue that there is no need for further change. They say, “Why not let well enough alone?” and see no reason to support the suffrage movement because they think life is already good enough.

Gilman’s harshest criticism is aimed at selfish women, whom she describes as “pigs in petticoats.” This group includes women of all social classes, both rich and poor, educated and uneducated. These women are driven only by their basic needs and desires, such as wanting food, clothes, and comfort, without any higher ambition or thought for others. They are uninterested in rights or responsibilities, and the idea of expanding their duties seems overwhelming to them. They rely on existing laws and social norms to ensure their basic needs are met and have no motivation to seek additional rights or engage in the public sphere. These women also claim they have “all the rights they want” because they are satisfied with their limited, self-centered lives.

Gilman also acknowledges that some good and well-meaning women oppose the suffrage movement. These women have their own ideas and think that women’s progress can be best achieved by staying out of public life and not pushing for more rights. They see women as separate from men, almost like an added part of humanity that doesn’t quite fit into the larger picture of human rights. They believe that women should not be helped by the same methods used to advance men’s causes, seeing women’s roles as different and secondary. These women argue that the best way to support women is to maintain the status quo and avoid direct involvement in politics or activism.

Towards the end of the poem, Gilman laments the formation of what she calls a “monstrous thing,” a group of women united against their own gender. She sees this opposition as a disgraceful betrayal of womanhood and democracy. She describes their actions as a “whirlpool of disgrace,” where women use their own identities to undermine the fight for equal rights. Gilman compares their efforts to that of a king who foolishly tried to command the sea, illustrating the futility and absurdity of their resistance. She argues that their opposition will not stop the tide of progress and that their legacy will be one of shame and betrayal.

The Anti-Suffragists by Charlotte Anna Perkins Gilman Analysis

1. Wealthy, Privileged Women

The poem opens with a portrayal of wealthy, fashionable women who live in comfort and luxury. Gilman describes them as having men who “feed them, clothe them, pay their bills” and who are surrounded by “servants, horses, dogs.” These women are presented as living in a world of ease, where they are treated with “graceful deference and courtesy.” Because they have their needs met without effort, they believe they already possess “all the rights they want.”

Gilman criticizes these women for being disconnected from the struggles of others. Their comfort blinds them to the realities faced by women who do not share their privilege. They argue against suffrage because they are content with their current status, failing to recognize that their situation does not reflect the experiences of all women. The poet uses their luxury and reliance on others to highlight their lack of empathy and understanding of broader social issues.

2. Successful Women

Gilman then shifts to describing successful women who have achieved their goals either through their own efforts or with the help of friends and social advantages. These women have climbed to success using “strength of their unaided arm” or through “woman’s influence.” Despite their achievements, they remain indifferent to the struggles of other women. They say they have “all the rights they want” because they are focused on their own success and see no need for further change.

This portrayal underscores a critical point: success does not necessarily lead to awareness or support for systemic change. These women’s achievements do not inspire them to advocate for others; instead, they become complacent and fail to see the need for collective progress. Gilman highlights this selfishness and narrow focus as a flaw in their reasoning against suffrage.

3. Religious Women

The poem also criticizes religious women who follow a conservative, submissive form of religion. Gilman describes their religion as one that encourages “renounce, submit, and sacrifice,” and portrays these women as waiting for rewards in the afterlife, saying, “counting on being patted on the head / And given a high chair when they get to heaven.” These women view life as something to escape rather than improve and believe that their current status is sufficient because they anticipate future rewards.

Gilman criticizes this passive approach to life and rights. These women’s focus on the afterlife and their acceptance of limited roles in the present make them indifferent to the fight for suffrage. Their religious beliefs become an excuse to avoid engaging in the struggle for equal rights, and Gilman points out the flaw in using religion to justify a lack of action in the present.

4. Ignorant Women

The poem then addresses women who are described as ignorant, despite sometimes having formal education. Gilman notes that these women are “ignorant of life’s realities / And principles of righteous government.” They fail to understand how the privileges they enjoy were won through the struggles of others, saying, “those they condemn, whose ways they now oppose.”

These women argue against suffrage by claiming that everything is fine as it is, stating, “Why not let well enough alone?” Gilman criticizes their ignorance of historical struggles and their lack of awareness about the ongoing need for change. Their complacency and failure to recognize the efforts of those who fought for their rights reveal a lack of understanding and empathy, making their opposition to suffrage particularly misguided.

5. Selfish Women

The poem’s harshest critique is aimed at what Gilman calls “selfish women,” whom she describes as “pigs in petticoats.” This term is used to convey her disdain for women who are solely concerned with their own comfort and needs, regardless of their social status or intelligence. These women are seen as having no ambition beyond satisfying their immediate desires for food, clothes, and comfort. They are indifferent to rights and duties beyond their own basic needs, as the poem says, “Duties today are more than they can meet.”

Gilman highlights how these women’s focus on personal comfort and their disregard for the broader implications of rights and responsibilities make them unworthy of sympathy. Their lack of ambition and disengagement from public issues reveal their fundamental selfishness and detachment from the cause of suffrage.

6. Conscientious Women Who Oppose Change

Finally, Gilman addresses “good conscientious women” who oppose the suffrage movement. These women believe that women’s progress is best achieved by not pushing for more rights, seeing women as an “extra” rather than equal to men. They argue that women should not be helped by the same means used to advance men’s causes, and they prefer to keep things as they are.

Gilman criticizes these women for their misguided belief that avoiding activism is the best way to achieve progress. They fail to see women as part of humanity deserving of equal rights and instead view them as an addition to the existing social structure. Their opposition, rooted in a belief that women should not be actively involved in shaping their own rights, is portrayed as a serious flaw.

The Anti-Suffragists by Charlotte Anna Perkins Gilman Themes

Themes

1. Critique of Privilege: One major theme is the critique of women who are privileged and therefore complacent about their rights. These women live in comfort and believe they already have all they need, ignoring the struggles of others.
2. Selfishness and Complacency: The poem explores how selfishness and a focus on personal comfort prevent women from supporting the suffrage movement. The women described in the poem are content with their own situations and do not see the need for change.

1. Ignorance and Misguided Beliefs: Another theme is the ignorance of women who lack awareness about the history of rights and the ongoing need for progress. Some women reject suffrage because they do not understand the struggles that others have faced or believe that things are fine as they are.
2. Religious and Cultural Justifications: The poem also deals with how some women use religious or cultural beliefs to justify their opposition to suffrage. These women view their roles as limited and see no reason to push for more rights.

The Anti-Suffragists by Charlotte Anna Perkins Gilman Language Devices

Language Devices

1. Irony: Gilman uses irony to highlight the contradictions in the arguments of anti-suffragists. For example, she ironically describes wealthy women who claim they have “all the rights they want” while being completely insulated from the struggles faced by others.
2. Sarcasm: The poem is filled with sarcasm, especially when describing selfish and privileged women. Phrases like “pigs in petticoats” and references to women being “fed” and having “clothes and food” serve to mock their lack of concern for broader issues.
3. Imagery: Gilman uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the different types of women she criticizes. Descriptions of luxury, submission, and ignorance create strong visual and emotional impressions.

1. Metaphor: The poem employs metaphors to emphasize the failure of anti-suffragists. For example, comparing the resistance of these women to King Canute’s attempt to command the tide illustrates the futility of their opposition.

The Anti-Suffragists by Charlotte Anna Perkins Gilman Structure

Structure

1. Stanzas: The poem is organized into several stanzas, each focusing on a different group of women who oppose suffrage. This structure allows Gilman to address each type of anti-suffragist separately and thoroughly.

1. Consistent Rhyme Scheme: The poem generally follows a consistent rhyme scheme, which helps to create a rhythmic and engaging flow. This regularity contrasts with the chaotic nature of the arguments against suffrage.
2. Repetition: Gilman uses repetition to emphasize her points. The repeated assertion that certain women have “all the rights they want” highlights their complacency and ignorance.

The Anti-Suffragists by Charlotte Anna Perkins Gilman Form

Form

1. Narrative Style: The poem is written in a narrative style, where Gilman presents a series of descriptions and criticisms of different types of women. This approach allows her to build a detailed argument against the anti-suffragists.
2. Critical Tone: The overall tone of the poem is critical and scathing. Gilman’s choice of language and tone reflects her frustration with those who oppose suffrage and her desire to challenge their viewpoints.
3. Direct Address: The poem directly addresses the anti-suffragists and critiques their arguments. This direct approach makes Gilman’s message clear and forceful.

The Anti-Suffragists by Charlotte Anna Perkins Gilman Line by Line Explanation

“Fashionable women in luxurious homes,”

• Gilman begins by describing wealthy women who live in opulent houses. These women enjoy high social status and comfort due to their financial advantages.

“With men to feed them, clothe them, pay their bills,”

• These women rely on men to handle their everyday needs, including providing food, clothing, and paying for their expenses. Their comfort and lifestyle are maintained by others’ labor.

“Bow, doff the hat, and fetch the handkerchief;”

• They are accustomed to being treated with deference and respect. Men perform acts of courtesy for them, like bowing, removing hats, and bringing handkerchiefs.

“Hostess or guest, and always so supplied”

• Whether they are hosting social events or attending them as guests, they are always well-cared-for and have their needs met.

“With graceful deference and courtesy;”

• They are surrounded by polite and respectful treatment from others, reinforcing their sense of entitlement and satisfaction.

“Surrounded by their servants, horses, dogs,”

• Their lives are filled with luxury and indulgence, including the presence of servants, horses for riding, and pets like dogs.

“These tell us they have all the rights they want.”

• These wealthy and privileged women believe they have everything they need and argue that they have no need for additional rights or changes in their status.

“Successful women who have won their way”

• The poem then shifts focus to successful women who have achieved their position through their own efforts or with some assistance.

“Alone, with strength of their unaided arm,”

• Some of these women have succeeded through their own hard work and personal strength, without relying on others.

“Or helped by friends, or softly climbing up”

• Others may have succeeded with support from friends or by advancing in a more subtle or influential manner.

“By the sweet aid of ‘woman’s influence’;”

• They might have used their feminine charm or influence to advance their careers or social standing.

“Successful any way, and caring naught”

• Despite their success, these women do not care about the struggles or failures of other women who have not been as fortunate.

“For any other woman’s unsuccess,”

• They are indifferent to the difficulties faced by other women who are less successful or who have not achieved as much.

“These tell us they have all the rights they want.”

• These successful women, too, believe they have all the rights they need and see no reason to advocate for further changes.

“Religious women of the feebler sort, —”

• The poem then describes a certain group of religious women who adhere to a passive or submissive form of religion.

“Not the religion of a righteous world,”

• Their form of religion does not promote active engagement with the world or justice. Instead, it focuses on submission and renunciation.

“A free, enlightened, upward-reaching world,”

• This contrasts with a more progressive, enlightened view of religion that encourages improvement and striving for betterment.

“But the religion that considers life”

• Their religion sees life as something to be escaped or endured rather than actively improved or engaged with.

“As something to back out of! — whose ideal”

• They view life as something to withdraw from rather than to engage with fully.

“Is to renounce, submit, and sacrifice,”

• Their ideal religious practice involves giving up personal desires, submitting to circumstances, and making sacrifices.

“Counting on being patted on the head”

• They expect to be rewarded or praised for their submissiveness and sacrifices, hoping for acknowledgment in the afterlife.

“And given a high chair when they get to heaven, —”

• They anticipate being given a special place or reward in heaven as a result of their religious submission and sacrifice.

“These tell us they have all the rights they want.”

• These religious women also believe they have all the rights they need due to their contentment with their religious beliefs and their expected rewards in the afterlife.

“Ignorant women — college-bred sometimes,”

• Gilman points out that even educated women can be ignorant of the broader social and political realities.

“But ignorant of life’s realities”

• Despite their education, these women lack understanding of real-world issues and the struggles others face.

“And principles of righteous government,”

• They do not grasp how rights are achieved or the principles of a just and fair government.

“And how the privileges they enjoy”

• They are unaware that the privileges they have were secured through the efforts and sacrifices of those who came before them.

“Were won with blood and tears by those before —”

• The rights and privileges they enjoy were gained through the hard work, struggles, and sacrifices of earlier generations.

“Those they condemn, whose ways they now oppose;”

• These ignorant women criticize and oppose the methods and struggles of those who fought for the rights they now enjoy.

“Saying, ‘Why not let well enough alone?”

• They argue that there is no need for further change or improvement because they believe the current situation is satisfactory.

“Our world is very pleasant as it is,’ —”

• They think that their current world is already enjoyable and does not need any modifications or progress.

“These tell us they have all the rights they want.”

• These women also claim they are satisfied with their current rights and see no need for further advancement.

“And selfish women, — pigs in petticoats, —”

• Gilman harshly criticizes a group of women she sees as selfish and indifferent, using the derogatory term “pigs in petticoats” to emphasize their lack of concern.

“Rich, poor, wise, unwise, top or bottom round,”

• This criticism applies to women across all social and intellectual levels, from the very rich to the very poor, and from the wise to the unwise.

“But all sublimely innocent of thought,”

• These women are depicted as blissfully unaware and uninterested in thinking beyond their immediate comforts.

“And guiltless of ambition, save the one”

• They lack any meaningful ambition except for basic personal comforts and needs.

“Deep, voiceless aspiration — to be fed!”

• Their only real desire is for food and basic comfort, without any higher goals or aspirations.

“These have no use for rights or duties more.”

• They are uninterested in additional rights or responsibilities beyond their immediate needs.

“Duties today are more than they can meet,”

• They feel that their current responsibilities are already too much for them to handle.

“And law insures their right to clothes and food,”

• They rely on existing laws to ensure they have the basic necessities of life, such as clothing and food.

“These tell us they have all the rights they want.”

• These selfish women also believe they have everything they need and do not see the need for more rights or changes.

“And, more’s the pity, some good women, too;”

• Gilman acknowledges that even some well-intentioned and good women are against the suffrage movement.

“Good conscientious women, with ideas;”

• These women are described as conscientious and having ideas, but their views on women’s rights are misguided.

“Who think — or think they think — that woman’s cause”

• They believe or think they believe that the best way to advance women’s rights is to avoid activism.

“Is best advanced by letting it alone;”

• They think that progress for women’s rights will come by maintaining the status quo and not pushing for more rights.

“That she somehow is not a human thing,”

• They view women as separate from humanity or not fully integrated into the human experience.

“And not to be helped on by human means,”

• They believe that women should not be advanced or supported through human action and advocacy.

“Just added to humanity — an ‘L’ —”

• Women are seen as an extra or additional part of humanity rather than being fully integrated.

“A wing, a branch, an extra, not mankind,”

• They are considered as a supplementary part of humanity, not fully part of the main human group.

“These tell us they have all the rights they want.”

• These well-meaning but misguided women also believe they are satisfied with their current rights and see no need for further changes.

“And out of these has come a monstrous thing,”

• Gilman concludes that from these various groups, something terrible has emerged.

“A strange, down-sucking whirlpool of disgrace,”

• She describes this situation as a shameful and disgraceful phenomenon that pulls everything down like a whirlpool.

“Women uniting against womanhood,”

• Some women are joining forces against the progress of women’s rights and the concept of womanhood.

“And using that great name to hide their sin!”

• They use the idea of womanhood to conceal their betrayal of the cause of women’s rights.

“Vain are their words as that old king’s command”

• Their arguments are as futile as an ancient king’s command to stop the tide, which is impossible and pointless.

“Who set his will against the rising tide.”

• The king’s command to halt the natural rise of the tide is a metaphor for the futility of their arguments against progress.

“But who shall measure the historic shame”

• Gilman questions who can truly measure the extent of the shame caused by these actions.

“Of these poor traitors — traitors are they all —”

• She condemns these women as traitors to both the ideals of democracy and the cause of women’s rights.

“To great Democracy and Womanhood!”

• They are seen as betraying the principles of democracy and the advancement of womanhood.