Monday, January 29, 2018

Alyssa Lopez- Wave Two

Since the beginning of the novel, LeGuin has depicted Gethen as very cold. All the people of Gethen are adapted to this climate, however Genly is not, this making him feel like an outsider. He is an outsider in so many ways, which contributes to him feeling isolated. He feels like an outsider because he doesn’t follow their ways, the culture and much more. He doesn’t fit into their ideas of gender roles, as he is constantly questioning it. He has an assigned gender, and no one on Gethen does.

The cold climate makes people feel alone, I know I’m not the only one who can agree. Since Genly is always surrounded by the coldness of Gethen, he feels like a loner, with no one to turn to. Since he has closed himself from most people, he isn’t able to hold many friendships. “I am the only man in all Gethen that has trusted you entirely, and I am the only man in Gethen that you have refused to trust.” (199) Genly doesn’t trust anyone, not even Estraven. However, Genly isn’t the only one who feels isolated or alone. When Estraven was exiled, he became alone from the people he was close to.

I think that Genly has isolated himself from people because he feels so different. I think he could try and get along with everyone. I can’t put myself in his shoes, but it would probably be hard. He wouldn’t have to feel alone if he has friends, and isolation would no longer exist.

3 comments:

  1. That is very true, when it is cold we need our boo to cuddle with. I can also the connection on how people are "cold" on Gethen. They are cold but "cold" as shady and possibly rude in a savage way. It's like that one movie where Lindsay Lohan transferred to an entirely different school and everybody is all weird and shady and fake especially the "Plastics" I believe they are called.

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  2. I agree, but i believe that the climate isn't the only thing that makes Genly feel alone on this planet. But i believe you made a really great point with this post.

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  3. We see the theme of isolation and loneliness first with Genly. He stands out and he knows he stands out but he really wished he didn't. It is easy to pick him out from the crowd. I agree with what you are saying about the climate contributing to Genly's isolaton. Everyone has adapted to the weather but he still continues to adapt to it which makes him all the more stand out.

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