SF Masterworks: Le Guin Dispossessed

Summary:

In conclusion, "The Dispossessed" is a science fiction novel that combines elements of political and philosophical exploration. The story examines concepts of society, freedom, and the pursuit of knowledge while presenting a critique of authoritarian systems.

Main ideas:

• "The Dispossessed," written by Ursula Le Guin, revolves around Shevek, a physicist from the anarchist world of Anarres, who has come up with the Principle of Simultaneity, which allows instantaneous communication and will revolutionize interstellar civilization.
• His progress on his life's work is impeded by envious colleagues, leading him to travel to Urras, Anarres's sister-planet, in search of more freedom and tolerance.
• However, upon arriving, Shevek soon realizes that he is just a pawn in a dangerous political game on Urras.

Publisher description:

The Principle of Simultaneity is a scientific breakthrough which will revolutionize interstellar civilization by making possible instantaneous communication. It is the life work of Shevek, a brilliant physicist from the arid anarchist world of Anarres. But Shevek's work is being stifled by jealous colleagues, so he travels to Anarres's sister-planet Urras, hoping to find more liberty and tolerance there. But he soon finds himself being used as a pawn in a deadly political game.