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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Berosty kill his kemmering after his return from Thangering Fastness and Weaver Odren?

2. What is the Gethenians' mating cycle known as?

3. Who is the story in Chapter 9 about?

4. Who tells Getheren that he is in danger of suicide?

5. What is the name of Karhide's king?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the nature of the relationship between Karhide and Orgoreyn?

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

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

4. What does Sorve, Estraven's son, ask Genly to tell him about?

5. What does the answer given to Genly by the Foretellers foreshadow?

6. Why does darkness follow each child born to Edondurath and his partner?

7. As in the two Gethenian myths encountered previously, what is one of the themes that Chapter 6 deals with? Explain.

8. As the ice melts and runs into the mouths of sleepers, what substance does it become?

9. What does Commissioner Shusgis do that is so surprising to Genly? Why does it surprise him?

10. With what does this story say that Lord Berosty is obsessed with?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Please describe Lord Berosty's obsession and what it prevents him from doing, as well as Genly Ai's obsession and what it prevents him from doing. Explain the parallels that can be drawn between the two men in regards to their respective obsessions.

Essay Topic 2

Much of Chapter 18, which bears strong themes of isolation, revolves around Genly and Estraven in their tent. Please explain whether or not you believe the tent is an illustration of, or a haven from, the isolation and why. Use passages from the novel (not just Chapter 18) to back up your statements.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast kemmering and love, as explained in "The Left Hand of Darkness," with marriage and love in today's society.

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