The Obelisk Gate
Chapter 2: you, continued
by Jemisin, N.K.The chapter opens with Essun reuniting with Alabaster, a powerful orogene who is slowly turning to stone. He reveals the existence of a moon, challenging her skepticism about astronomestry, a discipline dismissed in their world. Their conversation is tense, filled with old grievances and unresolved dynamics, as Alabaster urges Essun to harness the power of the obelisks—floating crystals that amplify orogeny. Essun resists, recalling the dangers of past attempts, but Alabaster insists, hinting at a greater purpose tied to the satellite. Their exchange underscores their complex relationship, blending camaraderie, frustration, and mutual concern.
Alabaster’s insistence on Essun testing her ability to control the obelisks drives the chapter’s tension. He warns her of the risks, recalling how her previous encounter with an obelisk nearly killed her. Despite his cryptic explanations, he emphasizes the urgency of her success, suggesting failure would render his plans irrelevant. Essun, still grappling with the trauma of her past and the loss of her son, is reluctant but intrigued. The dialogue reveals Alabaster’s desperation and Essun’s internal conflict, balancing her distrust with her respect for his knowledge.
The interaction shifts to Essun’s encounter with Antimony, a stone eater guarding Alabaster. Their brief, enigmatic exchange highlights the mysterious nature of stone eaters, who seem to operate by their own inscrutable logic. Essun’s departure from Alabaster’s presence is tinged with unresolved emotions, and she is joined by Hoa, another stone eater who follows her protectively. The chapter subtly explores themes of trust and betrayal, as Essun navigates her relationships with these non-human entities while processing Alabaster’s revelations.
The chapter concludes with Essun preparing to leave Castrima’s underground comm to test her obelisk-calling abilities. Lerna, her companion, advises a diplomatic approach to gain permission, contrasting with Essun’s impulsive defiance. Their brief clash reflects Essun’s struggle to reconcile her past actions with her present circumstances. The chapter ends on a note of anticipation, as Essun’s next steps—both in mastering the obelisks and uncovering Alabaster’s secrets—remain uncertain, setting the stage for further developments.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Alabaster mentioning a “satellite” to Essun, and how does this relate to the broader world of the Stillness?
Answer:
Alabaster’s mention of a “satellite” refers to a moon orbiting the planet, a concept dismissed as foolishness in the Stillness due to the society’s focus on survival against geological threats. This revelation challenges the ingrained beliefs Essun was taught, highlighting Alabaster’s role as a disruptor of the status quo. The Stillness prioritizes practical orogeny over celestial study, but Alabaster implies that understanding the sky is crucial—possibly tied to the obelisks and the ongoing Season. This moment underscores the tension between tradition and hidden knowledge that could reshape their world.2. Analyze the dynamic between Essun and Alabaster. How does their history influence their current interaction?
Answer:
Essun and Alabaster share a complex past as less-than-lovers but more-than-friends, marked by mutual respect, frustration, and unresolved tension. Their dialogue reflects familiarity—Essun’s snapping retorts and Alabaster’s blunt critiques mirror their earlier dynamic. However, their reunion is strained by trauma (Essun’s lost son and Alabaster’s transformation). Alabaster’s apology for referencing her Guardian shows awareness of her pain, while Essun’s use of her new name (“Essun” vs. “Syenite”) signals personal growth. Their interaction balances camaraderie, unresolved conflict, and a shared urgency about the obelisks, revealing how their history both connects and divides them.3. Why does Alabaster insist Essun attempt to control an obelisk, and what risks does this entail?
Answer:
Alabaster demands Essun call an obelisk to test her ability to harness their amplified orogenic power, which he implies is critical to addressing the ongoing catastrophe (the “Season”). The risks are severe: Essun previously nearly died using a cracked garnet obelisk, as uncontrolled access can “fry [the user] from the brain on down.” Alabaster’s urgency suggests the obelisks are key to survival, but his secrecy—refusing to explain their connection to the “satellite”—hints that the knowledge itself is dangerous. This mirrors the broader theme of power requiring sacrifice and the peril of half-understood truths.4. How does the setting of Castrima—a comm within a giant geode—reflect the themes of adaptation and survival in the novel?
Answer:
Castrima’s geode structure, with its perpetually lit crystals, exemplifies innovation in a dying world. Unlike other comms, its unchanging light allows uninterrupted activity, defying the environmental “slowdown” typical of night. This mirrors the community’s pragmatic adaptability, but also its isolationism (guards restrict movement to preserve secrecy). The setting underscores the tension between collective survival and individual freedom, as seen when Essun bristles at restrictions. The geode’s unnatural light parallels the unnatural state of the world—a Season that “may never end”—forcing societies to redefine normality.5. Evaluate the role of stone eaters in this chapter. What mysteries surround their motives and nature?
Answer:
Stone eaters like Antimony and Hoa remain enigmatic, acting as both caretakers and potential threats. Antimony’s ironic pose and cryptic speech (“As I would any precious thing”) suggest layered motives, while Hoa’s protective yet unsettling presence complicates Essun’s trust. Their ability to consume humans (Alabaster’s transformation) and manipulate obelisks ties them to the world’s deeper mysteries. Their nonhuman perspectives—Antimony’s classical stance, Hoa’s boylike appearance—mask agendas that may align with or oppose humanity’s survival. This ambiguity positions them as wildcards in the struggle to control the obelisks and the planet’s fate.
Quotes
1. “Astronomestry isn’t foolishness… I thought you would’ve learned to question the status quo a little better by now.”
This quote captures Alabaster challenging Essun’s worldview, emphasizing the theme of questioning established beliefs. It highlights the tension between survival-focused pragmatism and the pursuit of broader knowledge in their harsh world.
2. “You’re so rusting useless, Syen. Essun. Never had any respect for the craft.”
A pivotal moment revealing Alabaster’s frustration with Essun’s reluctance to fully embrace her orogenic potential. This exchange showcases their complex history and differing approaches to power and responsibility.
3. “No. Because in spite of everything, Essun, I don’t want you to die.”
This emotionally charged statement reveals Alabaster’s protective feelings toward Essun, even as he pushes her toward dangerous knowledge. It underscores the chapter’s tension between survival and the pursuit of power.
4. “As I would any precious thing,” she replies, without moving her mouth.
Antimony’s cryptic response to Essun’s request to care for Alabaster introduces mystery about the stone eaters’ motives and nature. This quote exemplifies the novel’s unique blend of the strange and the intimate.
5. “They can try to stop me… And then you’ll do what you did to Tirimo?”
This tense exchange between Essun and Lerna reveals both Essun’s dangerous potential and the moral consequences of her past actions. It serves as a reminder of the destruction she’s capable of when pushed.