"Spring on Winter"

Genly Ai and the Gethenians are from different worlds- and unsurprisingly have planetary differences. Two of the most obvious differences are those of biological reproduction and social standards/ manners. In Winter, there is no determined sex or gender among the Gethenians, and their urges and reproductive parts are part of a cycle characterized by a constant state of uncertainty. Genly has a difficult time understanding Kemmer because in his home planet, sex is predetermined and lasts a lifetime. Also, gender is assumed and expected to be directly related to its respective sex. The Gethenians don’t have a concept of gender remotely close to that of Genly, therefore they don’t regard one another as female or male (except in Kemmer). This type of identification is a fundamental part of Genly’s human nature and to a certain extent has inhibited his ability of understanding their actions and way of life. He refers to almost everyone he meets, especially those in power, as males, aware that they have no such permanent label. Additionally, he reveals his sexist attitude, from a sexist world, through continually demeaning descriptions of women, such as “all charm and tact and lack of substance” (12) and with comparisons to the primitive and unintelligent. For example, he attributed Karhide’s behavior in its inability to mobilize “like animals, in that respect; or like women” (49). 

Secondly, shifgrethor, a social principle and standard of pride and prestige, is the ultimate power that few successful Gethenians have mastered (14). It is also characterized by “evasions, challenges, and rhetorical subtleties” (33) in daily conversations. To Genly, it seems unnecessary and an extra burden placed on speech, most likely because he cannot comprehend it. His frustration with this avoidant type of speech is revealed in long strings of thought and slow responses that conform to this social manner. It can be deduced that in his planet, communication is direct and straight forward with little deviations. However, his attempts to conform to this new world’s expectations, such as shifgrethor and showing respect, reflects highly upon himself and his world. This is pretty obvious, after all he is trying to help King Argaven and Winter join the Ekumen because its in their best interest.

(Title inspiration is direct quote from chapter 1, page 10. In this post context, Genly is spring on winter.)

Patricia Cuarenta