The Dispossessed

by

Ursula K. Le Guin

An Anarresti unit of time measurement consisting of a period of ten days.
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Decad Term Timeline in The Dispossessed

The timeline below shows where the term Decad appears in The Dispossessed. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 2
Humility and Moderation vs. Ego and Excess Theme Icon
Individualism and Isolation vs. Collectivism and Solidarity Theme Icon
...been waiting for his mother to come back for years, and he regularly waits six decads—a period of sixty days—for his father to come take him away for a visit. (full context)
The Failure of Utopian Ideals Theme Icon
Individualism and Isolation vs. Collectivism and Solidarity Theme Icon
The People vs. the State Theme Icon
...mostly Shevek finds his coworkers dull. Shevek has been at the afforestation project for several decads, and passes the time writing to his friends back at the Institute. Shevek laments the... (full context)
Chapter 6
Freedom Theme Icon
Individualism and Isolation vs. Collectivism and Solidarity Theme Icon
Shevek stops in front of the Music Syndicate to read the posters for the upcoming decad, and there he runs into Bedap. The two embrace, overjoyed to see one another. Shevek... (full context)
Freedom Theme Icon
Individualism and Isolation vs. Collectivism and Solidarity Theme Icon
...of connection between partners, and the two move into a single domicile downtown for a decad. Once the ten days are up, neither feels a particularly strong sexual desire for the... (full context)
Chapter 8
Humility and Moderation vs. Ego and Excess Theme Icon
Individualism and Isolation vs. Collectivism and Solidarity Theme Icon
After Shevek leaves for his work assignment, he and Takver write one another once a decad. Shevek tells Takver that the effects of the drought are much more dire where he... (full context)
Chapter 10
Freedom Theme Icon
Individualism and Isolation vs. Collectivism and Solidarity Theme Icon
...for one since he has been on the road from the desert for a full decad. (full context)
Chapter 12
Freedom Theme Icon
The Failure of Utopian Ideals Theme Icon
Individualism and Isolation vs. Collectivism and Solidarity Theme Icon
The People vs. the State Theme Icon
...Initiative, who have—against the recommendation of several Anarresti organizations—been in contact with Urras for twenty decads. Bedap has been fighting against the gathered councilmembers for three years now, but asks if... (full context)