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

Short Answer Questions

1. Why, after Estraven's successful pesthry hunt, does it become more difficult for him and Genly to travel for the next several days?

2. As Chapter 15 opens, where do Genly and Estraven decide to hide for the winter?

3. On what day of their trip do Genly and Estraven eventually arrive in Karhide?

4. What do Estraven and Genly do when they arrive at the Bay of Guthen?

5. As of the beginning of Chapter 18, for how many days had Genly and Estraven been traveling?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Think back on the various dichotomies presented in "The Left Hand of Darkness," such as Gethenian's dual sexuality; the coldness of the landscape vs. the warmth of Genly and Estraven's tent; betrayal and love, etc. How do these tie into the theme of light and darkness, and how do they tie into the title of the book, which is part of a Gethenian poem that states light is the left hand of darkness and darkness is the right hand of light? Additionally, what is the poem just quoted trying to say? What does it mean for light to be the left hand of darkness and darkness the right hand of light?

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 14, Genly's prejudice against the Gethenians is plainly apparent. How does this prejudice hamper his mission to convince Gethen to become part of the Ekumen of Known Worlds? Please provide examples from the novel that illustrate his prejudice, and that show how his prejudice keeps interfering with the accomplishment of his mission.

Essay Topic 3

Why is weather so important, both metaphorically, and literally, as explained in "The Left Hand of Darkness?"

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