Technical and Scientific Development
The story begins with the mentioning of nuclear catastrophe – so popular in anti-utopias and science fiction stories. It is like a starting point, a point which can’t be stepped back. Such interest to this image was caused by the realia of life. The nuclear war treat was big so the author pictures it in the story. The world of the story doesn’t seem to be harmonious and happy. It even exists due to the stranger who can create alternative realities. Concerning this theme is a claim to remember about main human values, that were endangered so greatly in the XX century.
Man’s Dignity
It was more than dignity. Integrity? Wholeness? Like a block of wood not carved. Dr. Haber who was appointed to treat George makes up a portrait of his patient: weak, helpless psycho. It is a part of his job, but Haber never treats George like a man – just an object. During his experiments he little concentrates on George like on a human. But as we see from the quote even a little man may be gifted with a great strength. A society in the story is still alive and can focus on a personality, but it loses this quality rapidly. Dr. Haber creates the equal society of a mass. The treat of individuality and dignity loss in emphasized in the story.
Racial Issue and Isragypt Conflict
Ursula Le Guin doesn’t abstract from real life. She tries to end these conflict at least in the story and in this way calls for this in real life. Racism exists for hundred of years. Many people suffered because of wrong convictions. Dark-skinned Heather isn’t a chance image: shaking White and Black hands, romantic relation between these two people, society of one skin color – these are the attempts to solve the problem. But as we see there is only one way to achieve this – to change our prejudices. Next reality – East Conflict. Is it worth those human lives? Heather’s husband died in this war, and it goes as something normal. Again George’s mind gives one of possible variants of solving, but as the alien coming is doubtful so we should find another way in real life.
Love
What can be stronger than all previous problems? And the author gives the answer – it is love. It happens between so different people: quiet and plain George loses his heart to rough and strong Heather. Despite of difference in skin coloring. They managed to see something especial in themselves, they don’t leave one another in troubles but help to solve them. Heather imagined herself to be a Black Widow, but George tells her she is beautiful. Even in such perturbed society their love is stronger: when they are together they forget about everything. This treasure the characters managed to keep.
Planet Care
This theme is closely connected with the first one. The world and the planet looks like an arena for humans’ actions. It has almost disappeared because of people’s carelessness, it has been changed numerous times. But in our life there are no opportunities to dream the world back and save it. We all are responsible for our home. Even aliens in the story don’t crush anything – all destructions are caused by people. It is a call for the Earth protection. The author expresses optimism in this aspect: Are there really people without resentment, without hate, she wondered. People who never go cross-grained to the universe? There are enough of them, enough to keep us going. Perhaps.
