The books Nineteen Eighty-Four and The Left Hand of Darkness provide insights into the essence of humanity and truth. Humanity refers to the collective condition, quality, or fact of being human. Truth encompasses the current state, past events, and future occurrences, remaining unaffected by personal viewpoints. These literary works demonstrate humans’ interactions with themselves, friends, adversaries, and the broader human community.
Truth empowers individuals to stand on their own, enabling them to defy the majority. As stated in “Nineteen Eighty-Four” on page 171, “Being in a minority even a minority of one did not make you mad. There was truth and there was untruth, and if you clung to the truth even against the whole world, you were not mad.” This realization allows Winston to resist the party’s control. Truth possesses an immense strength that can prevail against any odds. On page 27 of “The Left Hand of Darkness,” it is affirmed that “One voice speaking truth is greater force than fleets and armies, given time.” Genly Ai understands that eventually the people of Winter will come to accept the truth, although it may require patience. Man is incapable of altering the truth; they can only distort it.
This fact is exemplified in both books. In “The Left Hand of Darkness” (Pg. 106), it is stated that the shortcomings lie with the messenger rather than the message. Genly Ai acknowledges that when one person holds the responsibility of the truth, it can become distorted. Similarly, in “Nineteen Eighty-Four” (Pg. 62), it is depicted how the truth can be warped when those in power control its perception. The past is erased, forgotten, and lies become truth. The distortion of truth results in the loss of freedom to choose between supporting truth or falsehood.
Additionally, when friendships remain untested, people tend to believe their friends would do anything for them. However, when faced with trials, these friendships often end in betrayal. Winston, the protagonist in “Nineteen Eighty-Four,” firmly believes he will remain loyal to Julia regardless of circumstances (Pg. 184). Despite betraying everyone else, Winston still maintains his conviction to withstand torture without betraying Julia.
Ultimately, as one’s pain intensifies and mercy is sought, betrayals occur to friends and everything else.
In Nineteen Eighty-Four, Winston, through tear-filled eyes, tells O’Brien that he has not betrayed Julia. However, in the end, his worst fear comes true and he betrays her, pleading that the torture be done to Julia instead of himself. Similarly, in The Left Hand of Darkness, Estraven commits the vile act of stealing to provide food and supplies for himself and Genly Ai, even though it is highly despised in his society. Ultimately, Estraven betrays Genly Ai by sacrificing himself and allowing himself to be shot. This act prompts Genly Ai to contemplate whether his friend had intentionally killed himself. A friend plays various roles, including tormentor and lover, but their main purpose is to aid in survival. In Nineteen Eighty-Four, after undergoing a harrowing interrogation, Winston considers O’Brien as his sole remaining friend.
“The individual portrayed in Nineteen Eighty-Four is depicted as assuming various roles – the tormenter, the protector, the inquisitor, and the friend.” (Pg.193)
O’Brien’s ability to be a friend to Winston in different capacities is highlighted in this quote. Genly Ai faces a unique challenge in understanding friendship on Winter, where relationships can switch between friendship and romance every month. This forces him to reevaluate his previous understanding of friendship. (Pg.213)
In The Left Hand of Darkness, Genly Ai and Estraven form a friendship that helps them navigate difficult times. (Pg.247) They not only share provisions and resources but also share the experience of exile. (Pg.202) This shared experience allows them to better understand each other.
These books illustrate the idea that friends can play different roles in one’s life – providing necessities like food and supplies or offering support and protection through questioning and guidance. Moreover, these books suggest that death penalty is not an essential means to punish one’s enemies. The harsh conditions of life on Winter serve as punishment enough, as illustrated by the quote: “And I really don’t see how anyone could put much stock in victory or glory after he had spent a winter on Winter, and seen the force of the ice.” (Pg.97) Consequently, there is no need to resort to death sentences.In Karhide, the death-sentence is rarely imposed.
The inhabitants of Winter in The Left Hand of Darkness are faced with the choice of surrendering to nature or becoming angry rather than following laws. This is similar to the objective of the Thought Police in Nineteen Eighty-Four, who seek to change their enemies instead of killing them: “We do not merely destroy our enemies; we change them.” Additionally, the desire for a sense of belonging is an integral part of human nature. Julia in Nineteen Eighty-Four seeks membership in a collective that opposes the ruling party, which explains her decision to involve herself with Winston: “‘You are very young,’ he said (Winston).’You are ten or fifteen years younger than I am. What could you see to attract you in a man like me?’ ‘It was something in your face. I thought I’d take a chance. I’m good at spotting people who don’t belong. As soon as I saw you I knew you were against them.'” Julia is drawn to Winston because they both belong to the same opposition group. Similarly, Genly Ai yearns for unity and assimilation: “More and more often I longed for anonymity, for sameness. I craved to be like everyone else.” This longing for belonging can be found in both The Left Hand of Darkness and Nineteen Eighty-Four.
In Ursula K. Le Guin’s “The Left Hand of Darkness,” the idea is presented that finding solace and support during challenging moments can come from being connected to a collective (pg.173). belonging to a community not only brings solace but also provides individuals with an identity and purpose, whether as a leader or follower, resulting in profound relief and a strong sense of self (pg.112). Nevertheless, being part of a group can restrict independent thinking and lead to the forfeiture of individual rights, as illustrated when a dying man chooses to leave his wealth to the state rather than his personal wishes (pg.117).
Being part of a group requires pledging allegiance or love to one’s country, which can result in developing hatred towards another nation. Ursula K. Le Guin challenges the concept of loving one’s country and suggests that it is not virtuous if it involves hating other nations. In “The Left Hand of Darkness,” she states, “What is love of one’s country; is it hate of one’s uncountry? Then it’s not a good thing” (Pg.212). This implies that showing love for one’s country may lead to difficulties. Patriotism can also induce fear in those who do not share their nation’s ideals. Le Guin writes, “…When I say patriotism, I mean fear.The fear of the other” (Pg.19). Therefore, fear adds to life’s challenges by creating more foes to contend with.
In the novel “Nineteen Eighty-Four,” the protagonist Winston is forced to be loyal to his country through coercion and eventually undergoes brainwashing by O’Brien. As a result, he changes his hatred for Big Brother into love for him.Winston initially shouts, “Down with Big Brother!” (Pg.18), but his mindset shifts as he develops affection for Big Brother (Pg.236). This transformation deprives him of freedom because he believes true freedom lies in being able to die while hating Big Brother: “To die hating them, that was freedom” (Pg.223). Winston’s brainwashing leaves him without autonomy over whom he will despise or cherishTo summarize, these literary works demonstrate that although human relationships may differ, the fundamental principles remain unchanged.
These principles state that humans will remain steadfast when they possess the truth as it is immutable. Additionally, friendships will crumble when individuals prioritize their self-interests. Furthermore, the death penalty is not a requisite means of retaliating against adversaries. Lastly, being a member of a group can be advantageous due to a sense of belonging, but detrimental if one blindly adheres to it. The associations individuals establish with others serve as an expression of their convictions regarding truth and humanity.
