What is The Obelisk Gate?

The Obelisk Gate is the second novel in N.K. Jemisin’s critically acclaimed “The Broken Earth” trilogy, which has earned widespread recognition, including the Hugo Award for Best Novel. Published in 2016, this book builds upon the intense and intricate world introduced in The Fifth Season, continuing the journey of its protagonist, Essun, in a land perpetually threatened by apocalyptic disasters known as “Fifth Seasons.”

A Brief Overview

The Obelisk Gate picks up right where The Fifth Season left off. The story unfolds in a world called the Stillness, a land constantly ravaged by seismic catastrophes, where the earth itself is an enemy. In this dystopian landscape, certain individuals, known as orogenes, possess the power to control and manipulate the earth’s energy. However, orogenes are both feared and oppressed by society, which views their abilities with suspicion and dread.

The novel centers around Essun, an orogene who is on a desperate quest to find her daughter, Nassun. Essun’s journey is both physical and emotional as she struggles to survive in a world that is literally falling apart while grappling with the powerful forces she can wield.

Main Characters and Their Journeys

• Essun: The protagonist, whose life has been one of loss and survival. After losing her son at the hands of her husband, she embarks on a journey to find her daughter, Nassun, who also possesses powerful orogenic abilities. Throughout the novel, Essun’s character is portrayed as resilient, determined, and deeply flawed, making her a compelling figure in the narrative.
• Nassun: Essun’s daughter, who becomes a significant focus in this installment. Nassun’s journey is one of self-discovery and growth as she learns more about her own abilities and the world around her. Her relationship with her mother is complex, filled with both resentment and longing, as she grapples with her identity and the expectations placed upon her.
• Alabaster: A mentor to Essun and a central figure in the larger conflict within the Stillness. Alabaster holds crucial knowledge about the obelisks—mysterious structures that hover in the sky, which are key to the survival of their world. His role in teaching Essun to harness her powers and his gradual transformation due to overuse of these abilities add depth to the story.
• Schaffa: Nassun’s Guardian, whose past is filled with mystery and darkness. Schaffa’s relationship with Nassun is pivotal, as he becomes both a protector and a manipulator, influencing her decisions and shaping her future.

Major Themes Explored

The Obelisk Gate delves into several significant themes that resonate throughout the narrative:

• Power and Oppression: The novel explores the dynamics of power, both in terms of physical abilities and societal structures. Orogenes, despite their incredible powers, are subjugated and controlled, highlighting themes of fear, prejudice, and the abuse of authority.
• Motherhood and Sacrifice: Essun’s journey is deeply intertwined with the theme of motherhood. The sacrifices she makes and the decisions she faces regarding her daughter Nassun are central to her character arc. The novel portrays the complexities of maternal love in a world where survival often requires brutal choices.
• Environmental Resilience: The Stillness is a world where nature is unforgiving, and survival is a constant struggle. The novel emphasizes the resilience of both the environment and the people who inhabit it, as they adapt to and endure the catastrophic Seasons.

The Role of the Obelisks

The obelisks play a crucial role in the novel, symbolizing both the potential for destruction and the hope for redemption. These floating structures are remnants of a past civilization and hold immense power, which Essun must learn to control. The novel reveals that the obelisks may be the key to ending the Seasons and restoring balance to the world.

Alabaster’s knowledge of the obelisks and his plan to use them to repair the world form a central conflict in the story. As Essun trains to master this power, the narrative explores the consequences of wielding such immense energy and the moral dilemmas it presents.

Conclusion

The Obelisk Gate is a masterful continuation of N.K. Jemisin’s exploration of a world on the brink of collapse. With its richly developed characters, intricate world-building, and thought-provoking themes, the novel captivates readers and challenges them to consider the nature of power, survival, and humanity. As the middle book in The Broken Earth trilogy, it sets the stage for an epic conclusion while offering a deeply satisfying and immersive experience in its own right.

Whether you are a fan of science fiction and fantasy or simply enjoy stories with complex characters and rich themes, The Obelisk Gate is a must-read that will leave a lasting impression.

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