In The Left Hand of Darkness, written by Ursula K. LeGuin, there are revisited themes- loneliness and isolation. Throughout the chapters, subtle hints are given about our main characters voyage through and unknown place. Genly Ai is, literally, in a world that is not his own. Ever since he's been placed in a different planet- Winter- he has been alienated by the Gethenians. He is referred to as either the "pervert" or the envoy, not ever as Genly.
In the beginning chapters, Genly befriends a man of Hugh power, Estraven. Later, we find out that Estraven has been a traitor to the country of Karhide and is exiled, once again leaving the envoy all by his lonesome, abandoned.
Genly is isolated and left lonely in a world that he will never be able to call his home.
Friday, January 22, 2016
Iceolation
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I appreciate the thoughtout pun in your title.
ReplyDeleteI feel that because Estraven and Genly are both alone in similar aspects in their journey, they are able to relate to one another and understand the other's situation better
I think that while Genly and Estraven are both in a similar situation of loneliness, I think it would be interesting to see the contrast between their situation.
ReplyDeleteAs discussed in chapter seventeen, Everyone who Genly knew is already dead. When he come home, successful in the mission or not, he will be alone, with no one to celebrated with. Meanwhile, Estraven still has his father, son, and Ashe waiting for him on the other side of the border. Although, this contrast is kind of a blessing and a curse for Estraven. Genly can do anything he wants without having to worry about people back home because they will be gone by the time he is done anyway. Estraven, on the other hand, have to constantly worry about his family. He has to worry whether or not they will get punished because of his decision, or if Tibe tries to hurt his family just because of his ties with them.
Another contrast that they have is their reason for exile and their return. Both of them leave their house because of a noble goal. Genly want to expand the Ekumen while Estraven became a traitor to pursue peace. However, when Genly goes home, he will be treated as a hero for advancing humanity as a whole, while Estraven will forever brand as a traitor regardless if the mission is a success. When Estraven went home, the only thing waiting for him is death.
We also have to think about emotional stress that this put on both of them. There is no doubt that they missed their family and friends. However, Genly have time to prepared his emotion. He described that this is a volunteer mission, so he have time to weigh out the pro and cons and prepare himself for this isolation. On the other hand, Estraven was driving off his home in the matter of days. He does not have enough time to say goodbye to everyone and have to risk his life to escape the country. Genly also does not have to think about his family because he knew that they are already gone while Estraven has to face the fact that he will never see them again in his lifetime regardless of how close they are to him in term of distance.