Randomness

I thought this whole story is pretty interesting. The first thing I want to say is about the parralellism. I like how they made a parallel of the past and the present, and through the stories of the past, you could kind of see more insight into the lives of the Gethenians. Genly said they don't believe in wars, yet they have a word for everything but the word war. If there was no war, it would mean there was no revolution? no overthrowing of the king or any such events? If there weren't any such events, why would Estraven be considered a traitor to his country. After all, he was not fighting against the king's power and authority, he only adviced the king. Also, why did Estraven do what he did? Why did he tell the king not to see Genly but on the other hand asked the king about joining an alliance. The king is a coward. He listens to other people's opinions and are bent on the wills of others, like Estraven and the newly appointed minister(?). He does not have a mind of his own, he was a puppet. He was also afraid of Genly, what king would be afraid of a man entering his country, alone offering peace and alliance? Also another point, I think Genly really does not care if Gethen becomes part of Eukumen, he is only doing his job. He dreaded the fact that he has to do time jumps and come back here. He does not care about this whole alliance, he is only trying to finish his job and return to his family and friends. Afterall, Genly's past has been hidden from us. What person, in their right mind, would want to grow up and isolate themselves, spending years in space alone. I hope we get into a litte more insight into Genly's life.