The Left Hand of Darkness

Abstract

Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Left Hand of Darkness (1969) is a science-fiction novel set in the fictional Hainish universe as part of the author’s Hainish Cycle. The book is set on the cold planet of Gethen, or Winter, and follows the story of Genly Ai, a native of Terra (Earth), who is sent to Winter as an envoy of the Ekumen. A confederation of planets, the Ekumen are described by Ai as “a coordinator, a clearinghouse for trade and knowledge”, and they intend to convince the governments in Gethen to join their alliance. Ai’s mission is thwarted by his lack of understanding of the Gethenian culture. Being from a planet with strict definitions of sex and gender, Genly Ai can’t grasp the fact that these beings are ambisexual with an androgynous appearance. Only upon entering kemmer (a period of sexual receptiveness and fertility), those native to Winter adopt sexual attributes, becoming sexually male or female, with no predisposition towards either. Being so, a major theme of the novel is the effect sex and gender have on culture and society, both in Gethen and in Earth, and it is mainly explored through the relationship between Ai and Estraven, Ai’s friend and ally. In addition, incorporated throughout the novel are anthropological and sociocultural comments on the citizens of Winter as well as snippets from Gethenian folklore, religion, and philosophy.