Red Lodge Fantasy Book Club discussion

1. What is shifgrethor?

2. Although the people of Gethen are outside of our gender binary, the author describes them by “he” and “man” as a default. How does this affect your perception of the characters?

3. “One is respected and judged only as a human being. It is an appalling experience” (p.95) Do you agree that being judged this way would be appalling? What does this say about Genly’s culture?

4. How do Genly’s biases affect his understanding of the Gethian people?

5. In Handdara lore, ignorance is an “enviable” quality. What do they mean by this and what does it say about their culture? How does one become more ignorant?

6. “To oppose something is to maintain it” (p.151). Is this true? Are there any examples you can think of that prove or disprove this? How is this concept reflected in the story?

7. Throughout the book Genly questions whether the Gethians have avoided war due to their gender differences or their environment. Do you believe it is one or the other, both or some other factor Genly did not consider?

8. Do you think any of Estraven’s choices throughout the book were influenced by his kemmer cycle? How?

9. Why do you think Estraven decided to become so involved in helping Genly, going so far as to put his political and personal reputation on the line to help any Gethian nation join the Ekumen?

10. In the end King Argavan still views Estraven’s actions as traitorous. Do you think he betrayed his nation by trying to help Genly recruit the Orgoreyn? Was obeying his loyalty to mankind as a whole a betrayal of his individual nation?

11. “I am the only man in Gethen that has trusted you entirely, and I am the only man in Gethen that you have refused to trust.” (p. 199) Why do you think Genly refused to trust Estraven throughout the story?

12. When Genly is asked to describe women, he finds it nearly impossible. “In a sense, women are more alien to me than you are. With you I share one sex, anyhow.” (p. 234) Do you think this accurately reflects the differences men and women experienced when the book was published? Or now? How would you describe women to a Gethian?

13. Genly encounters many issues convincing the people of Gethen that he is from another planet. Do you think he would have had an easier time getting them to join the Ekumen if he looked more visibly ‘alien?’