Systematic Oppression In N. K. Jemisin's The Fifth Season

Systematic oppression dehumanizes and marginalizes individuals or groups, removing their sense of self and identity while also perpetuating widespread inequality and injustice across society. Systemic oppression is a prominent theme in N.K. Jemisin's The Fifth Season, as individuals with geo-kinetic powers, known as Orogenes, are marginalized by those who do not possess such powers. Jemisin’s use of a broken narrative structure by dividing the story into three intertwined timelines of the various stages in the protagonist's life reflects the traumatic experiences that she experiences in a world where her orogeny is despised. Additionally, the story is enhanced by shifting points of view for the protagonist. The third-person narratives of Damaya

Innon, with his graceful, strong hands weaker and clumsier for having been broken. Not an “Innon” (145). This passage sheds light on the impact of the Fulcrum on individuals, specifically how Syenite views its impact. It breaks her heart to think about how someone's true essence and personality could be stripped away by such a controlling institution. The vivid description of Innon without his usual traits puts into perspective the extent of the damage that Orogenes face caused by the Fulcrum. With this way of narration, the readers can understand the impact of oppression on an individual's sense of self and how the struggle for identity persists across different timelines. Jemisin uses shifting points of view to enhance the storytelling and the reader's comprehension throughout. The narrative shifts between a third-person perspective for Damaya and Syenite and a second-person perspective for Essun, creating an immersive experience. Emphasizing the second-person perspective for Essun creates an intimate connection between the reader and the character, drawing the reader into Essun's experiences and

How dare you expect anything else? You’re just another filthy, rusty-souled rogga, just another agent of the Evil Earth... You should never have had children in the first place, and you shouldn’t have expected to keep them once you did” (104). By addressing the reader as "you", it creates a powerful connection between the reader and Essun, making her pain and internal conflict feel immediate and personal. By forcing the reader to experience these harsh and dehumanizing thoughts, Jemisin effectively expresses the psychological impact of systemic oppression on Essun's identity and self-worth. The third-person perspective in the novel of Damaya provides insight into the systemic oppression within the Fulcrum. This is evident in the instructor’s lecture to the Grits about their collective responsibility and the consequences of one of them acting out of line: "You are representatives of us all, the instructors say, if any grit dares to protest this treatment. When you’re dirty, all the orogenes are dirty. When you’re lazy, we’re all lazy. We hurt you so you’ll do the rest of us no harm" (73). The third-person perspective allows readers to witness the Fulcrum's strict control over