personal-shame

Shevek wakes up hungover and overwhelmed by shame after a drunken episode at a party, leading him to a painful realization about his compromised position on Urras. He reflects on his original rebellious intentions as a physicist on Anarres versus his current role serving the State, recognizing that he is effectively owned by the political powers here. After days of paralysis and introspection, he resolves to act on his principles, despite the restrictions imposed by the ongoing war and his hosts.