In the novel, Left Hand of Darkness author Ursula Le Guin includes parables to depict Gethenian culture as well as stories. With these stories we are able to have a better understanding of Gethen Lore. Guin sets up several chapters dedicated to these parables allowing her to further develop the interesting culture/way life on Gethen. These parables are helpful and give insight that I've referred backed to during the reading. The very first story introduced into the novel was in Chapter 2, the story discussed two brothers on Gethan who vowed khmer to each other, however that it is illegal and eventually led to one of the brothers to commit suicide, due to him deeming life unbearable without his partner, and the story ends with the remaining brother abandoning his life and lives in exile in the harsh conditions. Committing suicide on this planet is deemed the biggest crime right front of stealing. This story foreshadows future events in the novel, such as Estraven's love for Genly Ai, Estraven just like in the story gets exiled and does whatever it takes to free Genly from prison such as stealing. The story's last parallel is traveling across the frozen glacier on the planet to get to where they are going.
-Bryan Tovar
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