The Dispossessed Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapter 11 Summary

Chapter 11 Summary

Shevek is smuggled to the Terran embassy and gets an audience with the ambassador, Keng. He is finally safe from the Ioti. He explains to Keng how the Ioti had tried to use him for their own scientific advancement. He also explains the concept they are after, the principle of instantaneous communication, which would allow people in remote areas of space to talk to each other immediately, and ultimately one day travel instantly from one place to another. Shevek wants to give his theory to the Terrans and the Hainish and allow them to broadcast it to the rest of the planets so that none can use it to dominate the others.

Keng tells him that Urras is a paradise to her because her own society has ruined its planet. Only through the charity of the Hainish have they been able to leave and visit other worlds. She does not...
(read more)