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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. What does Genly think the reason for Tibe's frequent radio appearances is?

2. How does Genly finance the trip he takes in Chapter 5?

3. What is the Sarf?

4. What important concept is brought up again in Chapter 10?

5. Who visits Genly the morning following the dinner with which Chapter 8 ends?

Short Essay Questions

1. Is Estraven's loyalty to Karhide, or is it to Orgoreyn?

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

3. After the reception for Genly is called off, what is the advice Estraven gives to him?

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

5. With what does Lord Berosty kill his kemmering?

6. Why is it wise for Estraven to obtain his hunter's license and learn how to hunt while en route to the farm where Genly is imprisoned?

7. What is the significance of the completion of the Arch of River Gate?

8. What does the story in Chapter 9 foreshadow?

9. What does it mean when Handdara, the Karhidish religion, is described as having duality?

10. What is Genly's impression of Orgoreyn?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Chapter 7 helps us see that Genly's pride is making development of a relationship and negotiations with the Gethenians difficult. Please explain, in your own words, how his pride is hurting his efforts. Use examples from previous chapters to support your statements.

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

Think about Estraven's statement regarding patriotism, "What is love of one's country; is it hate of one's uncountry? Then it's not a good thing." How do the inhabitants of Orgoreyn, and those of Karhide, show their patriotism for their respective countries? Back your statements up with excerpts from the novel, then compare and contrast both Orgoreyn and Karhide's expressions of patriotism with how patriotism is expressed and displayed in your own country. What do you think is good about how Orgoreyn and Karhide express their patriotism that perhaps should be adopted in your country, and what about how patriotism is expressed in your country should be adopted by Orgoreyn and Karhide (if that were possible)?

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