How does the constant cold of Gethen contribute to the theme of isolation and loneliness?
A person who could be considered cold, may actually be isolated and lonely. I feel like the character, Estraven, could be considered cold. Just like the entire planet. In chapter 6, Estraven was banished and was trying to get as far away as fast as possible. On page 75 his old kemmering, Ashe, finds him and tries to offer him money which he will not take. "As I spoke my anger and bitterness turned from Ashe against myself and my own life, which lay behind me like a broken promise. . . I went on, and he did not follow me. But my brother's shadow followed me. I had done ill to speak of him. I had done ill in all things." To me, I feel as though Estraven has felt so isolated because of his struggles with his past kemmerings. Throughout the novel we catch glimpses of the idea that he had vowed kemmer to his brother, which isn't accepted. So when he had to leave his brother, he might have felt really lonely. He obviously had a very deep affection for his brother but losing the one you love might make you want to isolate yourself to stay away from anyone. I also assume that because of this he continued to feel lonely and tried to force himself into this new relationship and he may not have been ready for. He even says "'It was a false vow, a second vow. You know it; you knew it then. The only true vow of faithfulness I ever swore was not spoken, nor could it be spoken, and the man I swore it to is dead and the promise broken, long ago(pg 75)'". This coldness of the planet really shows the isolation and loneliness of this character. The feeling he felt for his brother might have once kept him feeling warm inside, now he has nothing to feel to combat the actual cold of the world.
I like how you focused on Estraven because he is emotionally detached (or seems so) at times. He is probably scared of being close to people because of what happened. His past definitely reflects in his personality now.
ReplyDeleteHey Madi, I also like how you brought up Estraven instead of Genly. We all know that Genly is seen as a pervert and had came from a different planet trying to adjust to his new life on winter. I didn't think about Estraven being lonely and isolated like that until now. I agree that he isolates himself because he is afraid of getting hurt like once before.
ReplyDeleteI like the focus that you put on Estrogen seeing that he is not the main character, and everyone including myself wants to write about him. He does seem kind of off at times. The way you looked deeper into things made me realize more things about the book and its characters.
ReplyDeleteGood job connecting Estraven to the theme of isolation. I never thought of Estraven being lonely, my mind automatically goes to Genly. You brought up good points on this characters past kemmerings, which may be the key reason why he is feeling so alone.
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