Encounter with Otherness. "In The Left Hand of Darkness" and "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" (PDF)

Seminar paper from the year 2021 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Literature, grade: 2,0, University of Flensburg, language: English, abstract: This project work will discuss the thesis statement that both protagonists change their view on otherness throughout the story due to individual experience; however, though there are similarities, one protagonist seems to completely accept otherness whereas the other only attempts to accept it. Both develop at least sexual feelings for another species, leading to a broader understanding of diversity. Through the stories social criticism, including racism and homophobia, is addressed.

Numerous science fiction novels discuss the idea of two or more different species that experience encounters with each other. Through this separation of ordinariness and otherness, humans establish boundaries in their minds. To accept otherness and regard other groups as equal, those boundaries must be crossed. In Le Guin's novel The Left Hand of Darkness, the protagonist Genly Ai is sent to the planet Gethen to convince the inhabitants of the planet to join the trade network Ekumen. Genly is human whereas the Gethenians are characterised as aliens. The main character of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? is human as well, and encounters androids almost indistinguishable to humans. The novel is set on earth though most humans had to leave the planet due to the devastation of war. Therefore, both novels involve the encounter of two diverse groups and consequently consider otherness in science fiction.