In the book The Left
Hand of Darkness written by Ursula K. Le Guin, the author mentioned the
idea of shadow multiple times. In chapter seventeen, the author introduces the
myth of how life on Gethen came to be. The author describes that “in the
beginning, there was nothing but ice and the sun” (Le Guin 237). The hills, the
seas, trees, animals, and thirty-nine men were the creations of the three
ice-shapes. The three ice-shapes gave life to the men by letting the sun melt them
as they run into the mouths of the sleeping men. One of the men woke up and
started killing his brother because he was scared. Later, he has children that
were followed by a piece of darkness when there’s daylight. This is because
they’re in the middle of time. In the beginning of time, there were nothing but
the sun and ice. In the end of time, the sun will disappear and all that is
left are the ice and shadow.
To
many people, as well as the Gethenian, shadow usually represents negative
things. However in chapter 18, Genly step out of his tent into dull light all
around him, but he couldn’t seem to see the floor or his footprint without any
shadow casting. Light without shadow is not always good just like good will not
be balance without some evil. In chapter 16, Estraven told Genly that “light is
the left hand of darkness and darkness is the right hand of light” (Le Guin
233). This myth is very significant because it shows that everything must have
balance. The purpose of Genly’s mission is the develop unity between all the
planets. Estraven wants to help Genly in order to unite Karhide and Orgareyn. Even
though Genly and Estraven are completely different in terms of culture, they learned
to work together for a better future. In the end, I concluded that the purpose
of this story to promote the idea of unity of the opposites.
These are good points you bring up. I have not thought of the book this way.I just thought about the stories in the book and the actual story connecting. I never thought about it having a connection within itself whether it in a story in the book or the actual story. I like this connection makes a lot of sense.
ReplyDeleteThis realization opened my eyes. I was already starting to pick up pieces throughout the book and connecting them to the real world as well as trying to identify the variety of themes represented. There are so many, but I think your point is the main theme because the book starts off with Genly being introduced to a new world with different people, culture, society, government, religion, environment, etc.. but as the book keeps moving forward, there are so many realizations that not only Genly makes, but Estraven as well. Two different people that come from two opposite worlds, using their knowledge of their different worlds in order to combine them and form unity. There is so much more complexity attached to this idea, it's intriguing.
ReplyDeleteA great analysis I must say. Throughout the book, I have never really thought that shadow or shifgrethor had anything to do with the theme of the book. To me, shadow/shifgrethor represented the past that would cling on to the present as we have seen many times throughout the book: Estraven the traitor, and incestuous brothers. However, now that I have read this blog, I came to understand that the mere mention of shadow represents something more than I originally thought it was to be. Can you elaborate more with the quote, "light is the left hand of darkness and darkness is the right hand of light" to help me understand better this concept of unity of the opposite?
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