The Dispossessed Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is described as ambiguous and two-faced?

A promise

A book

A person

A wall (correct)

What does the wall enclose?

The universe, leaving Anarres outside free.

What does the phrase 'Mine sun' signify?

Nothing is yours, it is to use and share.

Where is truth found according to Bedap and Tirin?

In the hill one happens to be sitting in. Signup and view all the answers

What is our common nature according to the text?

To be Odonians, responsible to one another. Signup and view all the answers

Why was he alone in the society of Anarres?

He came from a self-exiled society. Signup and view all the answers

What did he foolishly hope to achieve?

To bring together two worlds to which he did not belong. Signup and view all the answers

What is the law of existence according to the text?

Struggle, competition, elimination of the weak. Signup and view all the answers

What can never be controlled by laws and governments?

Ideas. Signup and view all the answers

What cultural trait did he find difficult to adapt to?

Distrusting people. Signup and view all the answers

What dichotomy is presented regarding wealth?

You are rich, you own; we are poor, we lack. Signup and view all the answers

What is the metaphor used about living conditions?

You all live in jail. Signup and view all the answers

What is rebellion described as on Urras?

A luxury, a self-indulgence. Signup and view all the answers

What idea is considered dangerous?

The idea of anarchism made flesh. Signup and view all the answers

What internalized fears lead to conformity?

Convention, moralism, fear of social ostracism. Signup and view all the answers

What do those who build walls become?

Their own prisoners. Signup and view all the answers

What does the speaker see inside the box of Urras?

A black cellar full of dust and a dead man. Signup and view all the answers

What weighs heavier than theoretical ideas?

The freedom of one single human spirit. Signup and view all the answers

Why did they come to Anarres?

For freedom. Signup and view all the answers

What is the duty of any individual according to the text?

To accept no rule and be the initiator of his own acts. Signup and view all the answers

What is said about freedom in the text?

Freedom is never very safe. Signup and view all the answers

What did he bring with him?

Nothing; his hands were empty. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Concepts of Ownership and Freedom

Nature of walls is dual; perspective determines inside or outside.
Anarres represents freedom existing outside the societal constraints imposed by traditional states.

Ownership is redefined—it's about utilization and sharing, not possession.
Responsibility to one another is central to true freedom; lack of it leads to imprisonment.

Existential Reflections

Characters experience feelings of alienation; they exist outside their birth societies due to self-exile.
Attempting to bridge different worlds can lead to profound isolation.

Struggle and Survival

Existence is portrayed as a competition, emphasizing survival of the fittest amidst societal pressures.
Ideological warfare is highlighted; ideas cannot be stifled by mere suppression.

Trust and Distrust

Cultural upbringing fosters trust in communal society, but characters must navigate distrust in unfamiliar environments.
Wealth disparity is starkly presented, illustrating profound societal divides.

Imprisonment through Materialism

Material wealth leads to psychological imprisonment; individuals become isolated by their possessions.
Personal freedom is sacrificed under the constraints of ownership and societal expectations.

Rebellion and State

Rebellion is labeled a luxury on Urras; dedication to the state supersedes individual contributions to society.
Anarchism is depicted as a dangerous yet vital ideology.

Fear and Conformity

Internalized societal norms can imprison individuals mentally and emotionally.
Individuals often relinquish agency to societal conventions, illustrating the tension between personal freedom and collective adherence.

Perceptions of Urras

Urras is critiqued as a facade of beauty hiding deep societal rot; reality is filled with oppression and decay.
The stark contrast between appearance and reality fuels a sense of hopelessness.

Individualism and Collaboration

The need for individual freedom over conformity is underscored; machines require uniformity that stifles personal expression.
True progress requires revolution, where individuals reject imposed rules and initiate their actions.

Nature of Freedom

Freedom comes with risks and uncertainties; it is inherently unsafe yet essential for growth and change.
Emptiness and lack of material possessions become symbolic of genuine freedom; detachment from societal expectations fosters true independence.

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Description

Test your knowledge of key terms and concepts from 'The Dispossessed' by Ursula K. Le Guin. This quiz features flashcards from chapters 1 and 2, helping you understand the significant themes and ideas presented in the novel. Perfect for students and fans of the book alike.