The Word for World is Forest

by

Ursula K. Le Guin

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Ben is a native Athshean and was formerly enslaved by Don Davidson. Davidson guesses that Ben is older than other “creechies” due to his white fur (as Athsheans are normally green). Ben is lethargic in Davidson’s presence, which readers later learn is due to the Athsheans’ need to dream throughout the day, something Davidson knows nothing about. Davidson treats Ben disrespectfully, though he’s given up on trying to “break” Ben in. Eventually, Ben helps Selver and his fellow Athsheans burn Davidson’s camp with the intention of killing Davidson as well. When Davidson returns to camp, he’s confronted by a group of Athsheans that includes Selver and Ben.
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Ben Character Timeline in The Word for World is Forest

The timeline below shows where the character Ben appears in The Word for World is Forest. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter One
Violence, War, and Colonization Theme Icon
Gender and Masculinity Theme Icon
Davidson gets out of bed and calls for his creechie, Ben, ordering him to prepare the hot water. After dressing, Davidson exits his hut into the... (full context)
Violence, War, and Colonization Theme Icon
Nature and Ecology Theme Icon
Gender and Masculinity Theme Icon
Ben is taking forever to bring breakfast, so Davidson yells again. While Ben is old and... (full context)
Violence, War, and Colonization Theme Icon
Communication and Translation Theme Icon
...up and notices that another creechie is pointing a gun at him: it’s his creechie, Ben. Davidson begins walking away, and one of the creechies shoots near him. Scarface tells him... (full context)