Moving the Mountain · Question
How does Moving the Mountain develop the theme of Collectivism vs. Individualism?
Answer
Moving the Mountain by Charlotte Perkins Gilman develops Collectivism vs. Individualism across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The book contrasts the old world's 'belated individualism' with a new social order where ethics, work, and even personal identity are defined by one's contribution to the collective good, with social duty superseding personal gain.
The dialogue contrasts the old individualistic economic model with the new collectivist view where work is seen as social service, and the community takes responsibility for human welfare.
The discussion of 'loving your neighbor as yourself' and the shift from individual to collective consciousness highlights the tension between these concepts.
The narrative contrasts the old individualistic society with the new collectivist approach, especially in education and community living.
Evidence in the book
- VI
The dialogue contrasts the old individualistic economic model with the new collectivist view where work is seen as social service, and the community takes responsibility for human welfare.
- VIII
The discussion of 'loving your neighbor as yourself' and the shift from individual to collective consciousness highlights the tension between these concepts.
- The New Education and the Arts
The narrative contrasts the old individualistic society with the new collectivist approach, especially in education and community living.
- Chapter XI
Frank Borderson explicitly states that the mistakes of the past lay in 'belated individualism' and that ethics cannot be predicated on individuals, highlighting the shift to a collective social consciousness.
