In the novel, the planet, Winter, is constantly described as being "cold and frozen over." Winter wouldn't be called Winter if it was unusually hot for 90% of the time. The people of Winter, Gethenianians specifically, have adapted to the frigid weather and are accustomed to slight incremental changes but prefer their bitter-cold environment. The constant frigid climate of Winter contributes to the theme of isolation and loneliness because, throughout the book, Genly is making it his mission to adapt to the many changes that this planet continues to throw at him, especially the weather and with this he feels alienated, as if he is a freak or "alien." When Genly came to Winter, he was afraid, afraid of all that was not normal to him. As a whole, the principles and practices of Gethenian culture are QUITE different from our own, for example, the process of Kemmer. I bring this up because I find it very interesting how when the climate is described thoroughly, it is always sad, and depressing; this feeling of isolation because there is simply nothing you can do about how severely cold the weather is. Kemmer seems to contradict the feeling of loneliness because when Kemmer is described, it is a beautiful aspect of nature taking care of itself, even though it occurs every 3 or so weeks, everyone in Gethen participates in it. The cycle keeps going. Kemmer contributes to the theme of unity, warmth, beauty, and love which is a direct juxtaposition of the theme of loneliness and isolation presented from how cold the weather is. When the process of Kemmer takes place, two subjects (with consent) prepare for what is to occur and go from being isolated and alone to being united as one. Kemmer brings the lonely people of Gethen together.
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