The constant cold of Gethen contributes to the theme of isolation and loneliness because the planet is originally cold. Gethen is constantly cold and what's worse is that it's stocky and dark. Because of its cold climate, it's sometimes called "winter". Gethenians are physically and culturally adapted to the cold. They tend to be robust built for this planet which makes Genly isolated. Other than the cold, the Gethenians are so content with the way things are that makes Genly feel uncomfortable. The people of the planet feels no need to stay with their parents after children are born, they feel no need to find their partner in life, etc. Genly can't see why the Gethenians lack so much emotion; it shows him that everyone on the planet had an emptiness inside. Because Genly knows of the warm weather he is used to and he feels more comfortable in his own lifestyle, it becomes hard for him to adapt to the planet and the Gethenians' behaviors. Genly feels so lonely to the fact that he's the only one that seems to stand out. He can't really bare the cold and he can't seem to understand the Gethenians which isolates him into more loneliness.
-Robin Hwang
Wave 2
Genly is not adapted to their environment, as you point out he is used to a warmer climate. I think the cold also reflects how he feels on the inside since he's alone on another planet.
ReplyDeleteI said the same thing about the gethenians being adapted to being isolated and emotionless. He can't quite grasp the reason for it but is still open to interpretation.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you! I feel like the author puts a double meaning to how Genly feels about the whole planet, his situation, etc. Maybe we just have to read between the lines to fully understand it I guess.
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