When one thinks of the cold, they think of places like Russia and the Arctic; places where the population of people is extremely low. Gethen is no tropical island where people go for vacation. It's a cold, harsh, desolate wasteland where the people have just recently evolved to just be able to survive in the weather.
Genly coming from an Earth-like planet where it is warmer, is obviously not adjusted to the climate of Gethen. This, in turn, leads him to need extra clothing, blankets, and heaters. Since he reacts differently to the weather than the natives on the planet, he is considered even more of an outsider. Not only do the civilians of Gethen already think Genly is "perverted" due to him being in constant kemmer, his natural reactions to the weather separate him from the Gethenians even more.
At one point in the book Genly says, "I was alone...in a strange snow-changed city, in the heart of the Ice Age of an alien world." (18) The fact that he mentions the climate of Gethen demonstrates his feelings about the world. No matter how hard Genly tries to fit into society, he'll always be an outsider.
In chapter 13, when Genly is being transported to the farm in the van, he is again unintentionally isolated from the rest of the prisoners, but not in a negative way. Genly, along with an old man and one with a bad cough were seen as "being least resistant to the cold, and... each night were at the center of the group," (170). In this case, him being different gave him kindness instead of scoffs and looks of disdain.
All in all, the constans, harsh weather contributed to the theme of loneliness and isolation by continuously singling out Genly from the rest of the Gethenians.
I agree isolation and loneliness is a theme throughout the story mostly because Genly is an outsider.It's not just the fact that he's an outsider but also because it's hard for him to adapt to this new place. Not only does he have to deal with the weather but also being judged, like you mentioned he was called "perverted" due to him being in constant kemmer which is something the Gethenians aren’t used to since Genly is the outsider. Genly is physically and mentally isolated from the Gethenians because Genly thinks different compared to the Gethenians and he has different views and knowledge compared to them. Genly’s appearance is also different because he has a gender and all these factors contribute to his isolation which causes him to be lonely.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the both of you , Genly is outcast to the Gethenian society . He is pretty much isolated in everything from his gender , the way he looks and his body temperature. He has an hard Time adapting to the Gethenian way . Physical and mentally it's a struggle for Genly . He is from a place were it is nataurlly hot and planet winter is always cold so he is always cold. Genly also has different a beliefs and views then the Gentheniams so sometimes it can be hard for him to relate . Genly has to try hard to fit in with them . Not only is he mentally different he is physically different as well. Genly is dark in appearance and they are reddish brown or yellowish brown .
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