Terrain of Gethen

     My initial thoughts on the cold is somewhere like the arctic tundra, where little growth occurs and the only thing fostered is ice. There is not much to run to, and not much you can do about it, and only because technology is so advanced nowadays, we are able to inhabit that land. It would pretty much suck to be out on your own in a place like that, and well, that is certainly the case for our Genly Ai.
    If it isn't already obvious, our protagonist faces tough conditions both internal and external while on his quest in Gethen. The eternal winter that is bestowed on the planet allows for a rugged terrain with many mountains, glaciers, and danger in almost every direction and border. Every step of his journey is a risky one and with no snow patrol on duty, and the Gethenians are no friendly eskimos. His weather conditions may be symbollic to his internal conflicts as well. In a place where there is only harsh weather conditions, shows his hardship in a completely new world. The stretches of icy glaciers that go for miles reflect his complete isolation and desperation. Genly, with little comfort is on a completely foreign planet with only one sole purpose. When his purpose was not so kindly accepted, his stay no longer became a mere vacation, it became a struggle to find where he might find any solace to his stay. Even his mere attitude towards the weather alienates him from everyone on Gethen. Being cold can almost be synonymous with loneliness in the outcome of poor Genly.