The Obelisk Gate
Chapter 18: you, counting down
by Jemisin, N.K.The chapter opens with a tense conversation between Essun and an unnamed narrator, who reveals that the Gray Man’s true intention is not to prevent the opening of the Obelisk Gate but to manipulate someone into opening it for his own purposes. Essun, wary yet resigned, understands that her inability to be controlled makes her a target. The narrator warns that if Essun cannot be used, she will be eliminated, as her actions could restore the Moon and end the catastrophic Seasons. This confrontation leaves Essun burdened with the weight of her role in the unfolding conflict.
Seeking solace, Essun visits Alabaster, who is now physically diminished and reliant on Antimony for support. Their conversation reveals Alabaster’s past efforts to fight for Meov, driven by the slim hope of a normal life for Essun and their family. Despite the inevitability of betrayal, Alabaster insists that any chance was worth taking. His words resonate with Essun, inspiring her to attempt salvaging Castrima’s fragile community, even as she grapples with her own cynicism and despair.
As Castrima prepares for a critical vote in response to Rennanis’s ultimatum, Essun quietly mobilizes the comm’s roggas, instructing them to stay vigilant and protect one another. She distrusts the community’s loyalty but follows through with Ykka’s orders, even as she avoids relying on Cutter, whose offer to guard her unsettles her. Essun’s actions reflect her internal conflict—balancing self-preservation with a reluctant commitment to Castrima’s survival.
The chapter culminates in chaos as Essun awakens to the sounds of an angry mob gathering near the baths. Ykka rushes to intervene, while Essun, pragmatic yet prepared for the worst, follows with supplies in hand. The scene underscores the precariousness of Castrima’s unity and the inevitability of violence, leaving Essun and the reader bracing for the impending crisis.
FAQs
1. What is the Gray Man’s true motivation regarding the Obelisk Gate, and why does this make Essun a threat to him?
Answer:
The Gray Man doesn’t actually want to prevent the opening of the Obelisk Gate—he seeks someone who will open it for his own purposes, whether for transformation or maintaining the status quo. Essun is a threat because she cannot be manipulated; if she opens the Gate, she would restore the Moon and end the Seasons, which contradicts his goals. This is why he tries to remove roggas from Castrima: to isolate Essun and either control her or eliminate her as an obstacle (Chapter 18: “He’ll kill you because you can’t be manipulated… you’re the enemy”).2. How does Alabaster’s explanation of his actions at Meov reveal his deeper motivations, and what does this imply about Essun’s current dilemma?
Answer:
Alabaster admits he fought for Meov—despite knowing its people might eventually turn on his family—because “any chance was worth trying” to create a normal life for Essun and their loved ones. This reveals his underlying hope for connection and stability, even in a hostile world. For Essun, this mirrors her struggle with Castrima: though she doubts the community’s loyalty, Alabaster’s example pushes her to salvage its “thin, cracked nothing of a chance” (Chapter 18: “There was a chance they wouldn’t… Any chance was worth trying”).3. Analyze the significance of Essun’s distrust toward Cutter. What does this reveal about her character and the broader themes of trust in the narrative?
Answer:
Essun’s visceral distrust of Cutter—despite his offer to protect her—highlights her pervasive isolation. Her hypocrisy (she hid in Tirimo, yet judges him for hiding) underscores her inability to trust even allies, a survival mechanism in a world where betrayal is inevitable. This reflects the broader theme of fractured trust in the Stillness, where power (like being a rogga) inherently breeds suspicion. Her final acceptance of Cutter’s help is pragmatic, not emotional, emphasizing survival over connection (Chapter 18: “do you trust anyone?… As long as he does his job it doesn’t matter”).4. How does the chapter’s closing scene foreshadow impending conflict in Castrima, and what role does Ykka’s leadership play in this tension?
Answer:
The gathering angry mob and Cutter’s vulnerable position (clad only in a towel) signal that Castrima’s fragile unity is collapsing. Ykka’s frantic attempts to mediate (“shut up and listen and back the fuck off”) show her commitment to democracy, but the chaos suggests her faith in the comm may be naive. Essun’s preparedness (grabbing packs) hints at imminent violence or exile, reinforcing the theme that survival often requires abandoning collective ideals (Chapter 18: “A crowd, gathering… So it’s begun”).5. Critical Thinking: Why might Essun seek out Alabaster in moments of despair, despite his deteriorated state? What does their dynamic suggest about their relationship?
Answer:
Essun turns to Alabaster because he understands her burdens like no one else—both as her mentor in orogeny and as someone who once fought for hope despite its futility. Their bond transcends his physical decay; his mere presence (and his “quarter-smile”) offers solace. This dynamic reveals a relationship built on shared trauma and unspoken love, where words are unnecessary. His sacrifice (living only to teach her) mirrors her own role as a reluctant savior, tying their fates together (Chapter 18: “the only reason he’s forced himself to keep living is so that he can pass on… art of global destruction to you”).
Quotes
1. “He’ll kill you because you can’t be manipulated… Because if you open the Gate, you would restore the Moon and end the Seasons. What he really wants is someone who will open the Gate for his purposes.”
This quote reveals the Gray Man’s true motives and the existential threat he poses to Essun. It underscores the central conflict of the chapter—the manipulation of power and the high stakes of controlling the Obelisk Gate.
2. “Any chance was worth trying.”
Alabaster’s simple yet profound statement captures his philosophy of hope and sacrifice. Despite knowing the likely outcome, he fought for the possibility of a better future, reflecting the chapter’s themes of perseverance and the value of fragile opportunities.
3. “People look at you as you walk through the comm. You keep your gaze ahead and try not to let them visibly affect you.”
This quote highlights Essun’s isolation and the growing tension within Castrima. It illustrates the chapter’s exploration of trust, community, and the psychological toll of being an outsider in a precarious society.
4. “So it’s begun. You get up and follow, and it’s not an afterthought that you grab the packs.”
This moment marks the turning point where the chapter’s simmering tensions erupt into open conflict. It signifies Essun’s transition from passive observer to active participant, embodying the chapter’s shift toward decisive action and survival.