Seismic Events In The Fifth Season

Disaster can strike at any moment. That is simply what we have come to expect from living in our unexpected world. In the fictional novel, The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin, The Stillness is a world where seismic activity is exceptionally common on a single supercontinent, caused by the increased shifting of tectonic plates and the existence of orogenes, humans who possess a unique genetic ability to control the energy from the earth. It is speculated that nature itself is punishing humanity with calamitous disasters in this world for a reason unknown to the reader. However, the effects of seismic events goes far beyond just physical destruction, both in the fictional world of the novel as well as in our real world. The consequences and benefits

The frequent occurrence of seismic events has led to the development of a survival system which relies on the use of orogenes, who are feared and suppressed by society. Orogenes are expected to stop earthquakes and use their magic to safeguard the humans. However, these orogenes are heavily mistreated reflecting deeply embedded prejudice and discrimination against those perceived to be different or possess dangerous abilities. For instance, children with orogenic abilities are taken away from their families and forced to undergo brutal training by the Guardians and are simply only used as a tool for the benefit of those who hold more power. Some orogenes are even taken to node maintainers, where their sole purpose is to stave off any earthquake and be used like a machine under inhumane living conditions. Moreover, seismic events exacerbate existing social inequalities, as the rich and powerful, such as the Guardians or those in Leadership positions in Yumenes, the capital city of the supercontinent, are better equipped to survive and rebuild by taking advantage of orogenes and owning strong buildings and bunkers to retreat into, while those who are less wealthy and fortunate are left to fend for themselves. Many people who do not live in a community would have a low chance of surviving when an earthquake struck. Additionally, orogenes are a heavily

An extreme example of this is the earthquake that struck the country of Haiti in 2010, causing devastating impact on the infrastructure in the country and leaving innumerable communities in shambles, similarly to what happens in the novel. After the earthquake, hundreds of thousands of people fell victim to the disaster and thousands more were left homeless. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, it is estimated that about 300,000 buildings were destroyed as a result of terrible engineering. An excerpt from historical geographer Greg Bankoff states “The aftermath of an earthquake can exacerbate social and economic disparities and inequalities, as those who are already marginalized often suffer the most” (Bankoff). Unfortunately, it is the harsh reality that those who are the least wealthy suffer the most from the effects of an earthquake. People who are poor lack the access to protective housing and the healthcare necessary to survive through a natural disaster comfortably. On the other hand, those who are powerful and possess wealth have the ability to evacuate quickly or prepare for the disaster in advance, demonstrating how seismic events can expose social inequalities in our society. Additionally, people who are unable to assist in rebuilding and repairing