Tehanu | Social Sensitivity

Tehanu Social Sensitivity

Clearly Le Guin has done what she could do to make Tehanu a feminist novel. Just as a thinker such as Plato could win an argument with an allegory before opposition to the argument could arise, so too does Tehanu persuade its audience about discrimination and crimes against women. The discrimination and crimes against women occur in the imaginary culture of Earthsea, but the legalized discrimination and crimes of violence against women that occur in Earthsea also occur in our world. As polemical as this fantasy is, it is doubtful that Le Guin's imaginative arguments are going to outrage many readers.

As strong as Le Guin's indictments are, she never denounces relationships similar to marriage. The love of Tenar and Ged is beautifully handled. Le Guin may argue for equity in her imaginary land, yet this equity does not destroy the family but negotiates new roles for family...
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