The Left Hand of Darkness

What attitudes and norms does Genly admire about the Gethen from the beginning of the book, and which alienate him? How does he connect these prejudices to gender?

What does King Argaven say is the key to running a country? In what way is this like the politics of LeGuin’s world, particularly of America in the 1960s? Support your answer with historical research and evidence from the text.

There are many chapters in the book that do not directly refer to the people and places in the main storyline. What effect do these digressions have on the story, and how do they further develop its themes?

What are the differences between Karhide and Orgoreyn? Absent gender, what other influences does LeGuin suggest contribute to identity on Gethen?

What role do Faxe the Weaver and the other Foretellers have in furthering Genly’s mission, particularly in terms of how he sees the Gethen and their way of life? How do they complicate LeGuin’s storytelling?

Does LeGuin challenge or reinforce binary notions of gender and sexuality in the novel?

Why is Genly so shocked by his betrayal at the hands of the commensals of Orgoreyn? How does this relate to his prejudice against the Gethen?

How does the long trek across the barren plain of ice bring Genly to a better understanding of both Estraven and their planet? Why does LeGuin choose this setting for his character development?