The Orgata secret police. They also wield bureaucratic power and influence Orgoreyn’s government.
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Sarf Term Timeline in The Left Hand of Darkness
The timeline below shows where the term Sarf appears in The Left Hand of Darkness. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 10
...in the room. Mersen is a Karhidish spy, and Gaum is an agent of the Sarf, although Ai doesn’t know what the Sarf is.
(full context)
Gaum, the Sarf, who Ai finds very attractive, wonders where Ai’s ship is. It’s in Karhide, but Ai...
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After the lunch, Ai drives home with Shusgis. Ai asks about Sarf, which is apparently an Internal Administration bureau investigating forgeries, unauthorized travel, and similar minor crimes....
(full context)
Chapter 11
Estraven knows the Sarf contingent in the Thirty-Three fears the Envoy, and thinks he is a hoax. They worry...
(full context)
...Yesterday Orgoreyn attacked a Karhidish granary, and Estraven reflects this is what Tibe and the Sarf want.
(full context)
...suggests to Obsle they communicate with Ai’s spaceship, but Obsle claims the radio, run by Sarf, would block or falsify the transmission. Estraven can see the tide is turning, and knows...
(full context)
Chapter 14
...the Envoy as a way to become superior to Karhide and break free from the Sarf’s control. Instead, Estraven’s contacts were too timid, and his plan backfired.
(full context)
