Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Constant Cold of Gethen
The constant cold of Gethen contributes to the theme of isolation and loneliness mainly in Genly Ai because it is nothing like where he came from. For him to come from a warm comfortable place to a foreign planet that is nearly always freezing is a dramatic change. Therefore, such a change in culture and environment has had its impact on Ai. By him having to learn how to adapt to the new society has caused him to be isolated and lonely. The fact that the people of Gethen question his presence and not fully accepting him doesn't help. I believe that the cold planet of Winter is a metaphor to emphasize the isolation and loneliness because warmth and comfort wouldn't relate. “Winter is an inimical world; its punishment for doing things wrong is sure and prompt: death from cold or death from hunger. No margin, no reprieve.”(99) This quote highlights the unforgiving and harsh world of Gethen that proves that people are on their own in a sense. Gethen is an unforgiving world and if someone does something wrong they are either executed or exiled and will have a shadow following close behind them forever. Even with the people that they trust, there is always a certain level of shiffrethor towards each other. Which causes distance between people because most everything is personal yet shallow at the same time. Therefore, it is significantly difficult for Ai on Winter because of the lack of comfort and security with one another.
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I agree with your point. The planet Winter does bring the sense of isolation and loneliness. The quote you used does have a good point. This brings to chapter 2 and how we got familiarized with the blizzard The blizzard is just a sad place where lost souls go. The king of Winter doesn't have the right sense to rule which makes it difficult for the Gethians. Most of the people end up exiled or killed which shows how sad the planet actually is. The Gethians are also very timid and keep to themselves, there is no trust on that planet. When Genly arrived he was treated as an outcast because he was different. People were afraid of him, even the king. This shows how the planet is just run on fear. Throughout the book there hasn't been any happy moments because the planet is not a happy place. Winter is just filled with sadness and loneliness.
ReplyDeleteI like how you said that winter is a metaphor for isolation and loneliness. And the lack of comfort Ai on the planet. But i definitely agree with your metaphor and I see your point with the quote.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your explanation of him being isolated and lonely because of the environment changes he had to go through. Anyone having to go through this drastic drop in temperature would go through challenging struggles like he did. Your reasoning for Gethen being cold because he is uncomfortable here is very clear. It makes sense for this to symbolize such a journey though discomfort by using a planet full of emotionlessness people and harsh weather that actually exterminates its own people. Gethen seems to be a place where people are very blasé about one another; I think that Ai should be satisfied that he is still alive after the course of events that he has gone through.
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