Vea Doem Oiie Character Analysis in The Dispossessed

Oiie’s sister, a beautiful and alluring Urrasti woman who is fascinated by Shevek and takes him under her wing. Shevek describes her as soft but affected, and pursues a friendship with her spurred partly by his attraction to her. Vea takes Shevek out on the town, and the two indulge in decadent meals and a trip to the theatre before returning to Vea’s apartment. Her husband, who travels frequently for business, is out of town, and Vea has arranged a lavish and orgiastic party. Overcome by his attraction for Vea—and his warring desires to be a part of Urrasti life and to remain loyal to his Odonian values—Shevek assaults Vea, attempting to coerce her into sex. The drunken Shevek ejaculates on Vea’s dress and is escorted home from the party. He does not see her again during his time on Urras.

Vea Doem Oiie Character Timeline in The Dispossessed

The timeline below shows where the character Vea Doem Oiie appears in The Dispossessed. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Humility and Moderation vs. Ego and Excess Theme Icon

...snow, plays outside with Oiie’s children, throwing snowballs and building fortresses of snow. Oiie’s sister Vea arrives for a visit while Shevek is out playing in the snow, and when he... (full context)

Oiie’s wife asks Shevek if he will bring Vea to the train station so she doesn’t have to walk alone in the snow—Oiie has... (full context)

When the two arrive at the station, Vea asks if Shevek has a wife and a family. He tells her he has a... (full context)

...unsure of where to go. Suddenly, he is struck by the idea of calling on Vea, and he goes into a nearby shop to use their telephone. (full context)

Shevek and Vea meet up at a nearby garden. They eat lunch at a restaurant in the park,... (full context)

Shevek and Vea attend a matinee at a local theater, and then go for dinner downtown at yet... (full context)

Vea changes into her eveningwear, which is just a full-length pleated skirt. Soon guests begin to... (full context)

...begins screaming about “the wall” over and over, and when he realizes that all of Vea’s guests are staring at him, he excuses himself, realizing that he is feeling ill and... (full context)

Vea accompanies Shevek to a bedroom, where she kisses him and calls him “magnificent.” Shevek kisses... (full context)

...relieved that though Shevek “escaped” to Nio Esseia for the day, he spent it with Vea rather than wandering through the “slums.” It isn’t that he doesn’t want Shevek to see... (full context)

The morning after Vea’s party, Shevek is awakened by nearby chapel bells. He feels sick and shaky, and even... (full context)