Subverting Gender in Ursula K Le Guin’s The Left Hand of Darkness

Abstract

The study examines the concept of resistance as articulated in Ursula K. Le Guin’s novel The Left Hand of Darkness, focusing on the subversion of traditional gender identities through the experiences of the central character, Genly Ai. The writer uses a central character Genly Ai, who on Earth involves in discrimination on the basis of gender identity but after reaching on artificial earth (Gethen) does not find any gender identity and discrimination. This concept evokes the reader that gender discrimination only exists on the Earth. Ursula K. Le Guin experimental writing is a piece of work, directly subverts the patriarchal imposition to gender as woman are submissive to man. Thesis uses, Judith Butler’s Gender Trouble: Feminism and Subversion of Identity, uncovers the novel of Guian and explores the concept of subverting gender identity by criticizing the existed notion of patriarchy by the medium of artificial Earth. Moreover, Simone de Beauvoir’s The Second Sex ventures that the novel works as an evidences, illustrates the core concept of female breaking the boundary of male- dominated society. Likewise, Donna Haraway Cyborg reveals that the text uncovers the concept of dual identity. The findings reveal that The Left Hand of Darkness as a piece of evidence that vandalizes the patriarchy as it is falsifying the role of gender and identity. Keywords: Resistance, Subversion, Patriarchy, Gender identity, Fluidity