Wave Two

The constant cold of the planet Gethen contributes to the theme of isolation and loneliness by showing that the weather can make it hard for Gethenians to become close to another. The cold and dreary weather can cause lonliness and bouts of depression in many people, so that is why I think it adds to the era of lonliness the novel displays. I think that by them always wearing snowsuits and being bundled up could represent being isolated and closed off from others. Genly is alone on Gethen and the unfamiliar weather adds to his separation as he is not as adapted for the weather as the rest of the world is. The Gethenians see Genly as a pervert and an alien because his body is different from everyone elses. Genly feels alone because nobody wants to trust him. The cold makes people hide away for warmth and not really be free and expressive. He must feel very alone as he has nobody to really confide in and has been on Gethen for two years now. As we see Genly develop throughout the story, we see he becomes more open, most likely from his growing bond with Estraven. Although the Gethenians are used to the cold, they still wear heavy jackets and snow gear. With everyone swallowed in giant jackets and gloves, trying to get from place to place and stay warm, it seems like real human connection is scarce. The cold Gethenian world does not really exhume happiness and radiance, but rather a distant and quiet murmur.