Ursula Le Guin’s Refutation of Gendered Traits in ‘The Left Hand of Darkness’

Abstract

In her novel ‘The Left Hand of Darkness’, Ursula Le Guin challenges the idea that certain human behaviors are fundamentally feminine or masculine, or that gendered traits exist. Firstly, she cleaves gender and personality apart by setting the novel on a planet of androgynes. Secondly, she creates complex characters that exhibit both stereotypically masculine and feminine behaviors. Thirdly, she presents an allegory that criticizes the idea of gendered traits as irrational and unnecessary. Finally, the novel is peppered with subversive images like that of a pregnant king, which are designed to challenge gender roles.