Study Guide to The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula Le Guin

A comprehensive study guide offering in-depth explanation, essay, and test prep for Ursula Le Guin’s The Left Hand of Darkness, a book that pioneered the feminist science fiction movement.


As a science-fiction, fantasy novel of the mid to late 1900s, The Left Hand of Darkness explores androgyny, tragedy, and love. Moreover, Le Guin’s writing shows that in fantasy, journeys into outer space are often metaphors for journeys inward. This Bright Notes Study Guide explores the context and history of Le Guin’s classic work, helping students to thoroughly explore the reasons it has stood the literary test of time. Each Bright Notes Study Guide contains:


- Introductions to the Author and the Work

- Character Summaries

- Plot Guides

- Section and Chapter Overviews

- Test Essay and Study Q&As


The Bright Notes Study Guide series offers an in-depth tour of more than 275 classic works of literature, exploring characters, critical commentary, historical background, plots, and themes. This set of study guides encourages readers to dig deeper in their understanding by including

essay questions and answers as well as topics for further research.