Throughout the novel, it is abundantly clear just how much of an outsider Genly Ai is. From our first impression, we as readers understand the complete and utter loneliness felt by our initial narrator, surrounded by a species so painfully similar to his own, yet in complete isolation. Through his mission on Gethen, Genly goes through a culture shock, really continuous shocks as he is introduced to new things so foreign to what he is used to. Permanent kemmering is his natural state whereas on Gethen he is seen as a pervert. The various spiritual and cosmic connections of and with the Foretellers are WILDLY out of place for him and something he needs to adjust to, but for people on Gethen, it's commonplace. I really think this heavily reflects the culture shifts and shocks between societies and groups here on Earth with humans. Differences in cultures and beliefs have started quarrel since the beginning of civilization, really, and the fact that the author so clearly highlights the foreigner's impression and initial shock at the different cultures (as well as shows him adapting) is incredibly insightful. Because we as readers get to see this complete outsider learning and growing, as opposed to disregarding and remaining ignorant. And as a member of a peace and unity mission, that's incredibly important.
I really like how you mention Genly growing because I think we sometimes forget how strange Gethen and its people seemed to us at the beginning of the novel. Over time; however, we witness Genly becoming accustomed to the culture as he experienced firsthand the background and beliefs of Gethenians. We too, as readers grew used to shifgrethor and other complex concepts of Gethen (Karhide specifically in that case). Whereas I tended to focus on the negatives of our world revealed from Genly's attitudes (sexism, war, etc.), your point shows how Le Guin may have contended that we can peacefully adapt and accept differing cultures of our world. Another one of her points I'd like to bring up stems from Estraven's moving quote, "What is love of one's country; is it hate of one's uncountry? Then it's not a good thing."(87). I CANNOT STRESS THIS QUOTE ENOUGH IN TODAY'S WORLD.
ReplyDeleteI really like how you connected the culture shock of Genly between the culture differences go on here in our world. As we interact with people, we get to learn about more and more cultures and become use to them. I also agree with BJ. Our feelings kind of went along with Genly's. In the beginning we felt completely lost with their customs and the way they are are; however, as time went on we became us to it.
ReplyDeleteI really like how you connected the culture shock of Genly between the culture differences go on here in our world. As we interact with people, we get to learn about more and more cultures and become use to them. I also agree with BJ. Our feelings kind of went along with Genly's. In the beginning we felt completely lost with their customs and the way they are are; however, as time went on we became us to it.
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