The Little Review, June 1914 (Vol. 1, No. 4)

A daring essay opens this issue with a sharp, witty examination of how early‑20th‑century America frames female sexuality. The writer challenges the era’s noisy debates, arguing that the real problem lies not in an excess of sensuality but in a pervasive “under‑sexed” spirit that leaves women emotionally stunted and intellectually undervalued. By dissecting two contemporary archetypes—the self‑appointed spiritual superior who endures sex as a burden, and the completely indifferent “glass‑vase” woman who reduces marriage to a decorative ritual—the piece forces listeners to reconsider the cultural myths that still shape gender expectations.

Interwoven with biting satire, literary references, and a smattering of poetry, the essay attacks vanity, fashion, and the hollow promises of marriage that masquerade as progress. Its humor is razor‑sharp while its critique feels surprisingly modern, inviting anyone interested in the roots of feminist thought to hear a provocative, unapologetic voice that refuses to let complacency go unchallenged.