ENGL 3722; The Gate To Women's Country
This site is devoted to providing an insightful look into The Gate To Women's Country by Sheri S. Tepper!
The book opens with the main character Stavia going to see her son where he formally renounces her and the world of women to officially join the men's garrison. It then switches to flashbacks and tells the story of how she met a young man from the Garrison during the annual festival. At his insistence, she smuggled him books despite the fact that none are allowed at the Garrison. Throughout this, scenes of Iphigenia, which Stavia is rehearsing for are woven through, enforcing the major themes of the novel. At one point, Stavia is captured alongwith the young man, Chernon, by Holylanders. Holylanders are the precise opposite of the Women's Country and the society is highly misogynistic. It closes with Stavia being informed of the terrible secrets of the council of Womens Country and what they've had to do in order to preserve their way of life.
The main themes, including eugenics, ecofeminism, and the play Iphigenia running throughout, will be examined here along with a brief look at the many works by Sheri S Tepper.
Hopefully this will lead everyone to a better understanding of this very interesting read! 
