How does the constant cold of Gethen contribute to the theme of isolation and loneliness?
The constant cold of Gethen contributes to the theme of isolation because Genly isn't from there, he's from a warmer place which means it is way too cold for him here and he can't withstand it. In addition to him not being able to stand to cold, he is also different from them and thinks differently and he feels as he doesn't fit in as well which connects to him feeling isolated and lonely. Also, since they are not like him, they don't understand how he feels. Actually having a full time gender unlike the others also greatly contributes to him feeling like an outcast. However, Genly isn't the only one who is lonely, there are many others who also feel as if they are lonely but luckily for them they aren't super cold too since they are from there. I think being cold and lonely also drives you to want to give up because you just feel so miserable. Later in the book Shusgis lets Genly in his room which is filled with blankets and heaters and stuff to keep him warm. He then asks Genly if he is comfortable and Genly is shocked and touched because nobody on Gethen has ever asked him if he was comfortable.
I think it was really interesting how you brought up the stark differences between Orgoreyn and Karhide. At first, the people and environments of Orgoreyn almost match what Genly remembers of home, and they seem most friendly and inviting because they don't treat him s an outsider. Because he doesn't feel as different there. He is received openly and warmly, and the people of Orgoreyn seem hindered by the cold around them, as Genly is, enough to own heaters and blankets and other warming devices t offer, unlike in Karhide.
ReplyDeleteLeGuin really hits on the weather and temperature changes for changes in Genly. We see this clearly throughout the book. In the work camp, he is offered the center of the huddle, warmth, and he sees this as generous and a mark of humanity. When he meets Argaven for the first time, he makes it clear that the fireplace doesn't emit any warmth, just light. The environment is cold and unwelcoming, and Genly expands on Argaven's distance and cruelty.
ReplyDeleteI agree that since Genly isn’t use to such freezing temperatures the cold contributes to him feeling isolated and lonely. Not to mention, he is never comfortable. He’s always not warm enough or like in chapter 1, he was actually too hot because the sun was out. He’s not use to the different temperature so he is unaware of how to prepare for it. I also feel like it’s partially a mental thing too, like maybe the cold and darkness on Winter is messing with Genly's mind and making him feel even more depressed and alone. As for the part where Genly is shocked that Shusgis asks if he’s comfortable because no one else has ever asked him; that touched my heart. Poor thing; can you imagine? Every once in awhile plenty of people get the feeling that no one cares, but Genly has gone months and months on this foreign planet where no one even bother to ask him if he was comfortable.
I just wanted to say that I completely agree with your opinion on this subject. I personally can't imagine basically sacrificing my life to be sent to a planet where I'm going to have to try my best to persuade leaders of nations to join an alliance that they don't want any part of while freezing and feeling miserable all the time. The cold is really just the cherry on top of how terrible things are for Genly on this planet. The world is the perfect environment to set this fairly sad plot for the characters to develop in.
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