Wave Three - Myth Chapters

Throughout the book, there are certain chapters that act as tales that help the readers this book understand the plots of the book and furthermore explain the Gethenian culture and morals. Chapter 2 is the first to explain the myths in the book. The tale is pretty much explains kimmer and how it works and also how Gethenians view suicide. According to the chapter, two siblings are able to go into kimmer; however, the two must separate if one becomes pregnant and conceives a child. This chapter conveys that in a Gethenian society, it is possible to go into kimmer because the Gethenians are accustomed to living in their own adrogynous society. As for the topic of suicide, it is seen as unacceptable in their world. When the brothers are forced to separate, one of the brothers commit suicide which affects the life of the brother who is still alive. This brother takes the consequence for his brother's actions which forces him to move away from his home and become exiled in a way. This chapter shows that there are hardships in this society as well and that not everything and everyone in Gethen are the same. Another tale in the book includes Estraven, the traitor. Even though this Estraven differs from today’s Estraven, it shows that even a long time ago, things were still the same. Estraven can be seen as a traitor according to the tale because all throughout the book he experiences things that shows details proving him as a traitor in his society. He seems to view Genly as different and he has a weird relationship with him. He shows his way of being a traitor by escaping Genly from jail and them traveling together to the ice. They myths in this book explain much of the plots and or the morals of the Gethenian society. It gave me a better outlook on the book because it feels good to finally understand something that is so complex and different from Earth.