The Left Hand of Darkness Short Essay Assignments

Short Essay Questions

The 60 short essay questions listed in this section require a one to two sentence answer. They ask students to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the text. Students must describe what they've read, rather than just recall it.

Short Essay Question - Chapter 1, A Parade in Erhenrang

1. What is the nature of the relationship between Estraven and Tibe, and why?

2. What is the significance of the completion of the Arch of River Gate?

3. What is the date of the parade?

4. What does Estraven do to make Genly angry with him? What is the significance, to Genly, of Estraven's behavior?

Short Essay Question - Chapter 2, The Place Inside the Blizzard

5. The Pering Ice and Gobrin Ice are mentioned in Chapter 2. What significance does this have?