The cold represents the lack of bonds between the people and contributes to their loneliness. This winter wonderland is always cold and this makes Genly out of his comfort zone. Although the gethenians are used to it and the cold does not bother them, Genly is affected by it greatly. Since Genly is the only one affected by this it makes him feel lonely because no one there is like how he is. In chapter 8 Shusgis shows Genly his room and says "They told me, keep the Envoy warm, he's from a hot world, an oven of a world, and can't stand our cold"(117). He later proceeds to ask Genly if he is comfortable and Genly was shocked. Since no one on Gethen has ever asked if he was comfortable before.
Furthermore, the place that is inside the blizzard is where those who have committed suicide are forced to roam forever. It is a place where they are not allowed to leave if dead. Those who are close to death are also able to go there, but the people there are not able to talk to each other. The area where they are is in the middle of a horrible snowstorm. Since they cannot talk to each other and are forced to just wander around. The people there are very lonely and are isolated from the rest of the population. The place inside the blizzard is a cold empty area that promotes loneliness. The climate of the planet symbolizes the loneliness and isolation that plagues its inhabitants.
I agree that Genly is out of his comfort zone on Winter because he is not use to the cold weather, which makes him an outcast to others. Secondly on Winter, the people are genderless so that also makes Genly an outcast and that contributes to his loneliness.
ReplyDeleteYour analysis was great, I do agree that the cold weather of their environment can lead to isolation and are separated from each others warmth or friendly bond as those who are forced to roam alone. As for Genly, he is forced to roam in the cold in the sense that he too is isolated as those in the place inside the blizzard for being different.
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ReplyDeletesorry it kept posting lol
ReplyDeleteI totally agree and I've always tried to connect the cold weather of Gethen to the actual people of Gethen. You were able to put my exact thoughts and even more into words. I also believe the cold connects to the Gethenian society and tradition.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first thought I had when I read the topic for the second wave. Like you said since Genly is from a warm area and now that he is in an cold area. It is different for him because not only is the cold weather bringing him up bUT he doesn't understand the people as well because they are different.
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