The Dispossessed

Interesting Facts

• The book describes two opposing societies: an anarchist society on the planet Anarres and a capitalist society on the planet Urras.
• The main character, Shevek, is an outstanding physicist who seeks to create a theory uniting space and time.
• One of the central themes of the book is the exploration of freedom and the constraints imposed by society on individuals.
• The book won the Hugo and Nebula awards for Best Novel, highlighting its significance in the science fiction genre.
• The English title of the book («The Dispossessed») reflects the idea that both societies are deprived of something important: one of material goods, the other of spiritual freedom.
• The book contains many philosophical reflections on the nature of ownership, power, and human relationships.
• Shevek faces cultural shock and moral dilemmas when moving from Anarres to Urras, allowing the author to delve deeper into the differences between the two systems.