Point of View

The Obelisk Gate is told from three different points of view. The most prominent point of view is that of the omniscient third-person narrator. This point of view is used to tell the parts of the story that involve Jija and Nassun. This particular point of view is used to indicate both the physical and emotional distance between Essun and her daughter. It also indicates that even though Nassun’s story is important, it is not yet the focus of the story.

Another frequently used point of view is the second person point of view. This point of view is used in the parts of the novel that focus on Essun. The use of the second person point of view draws the reader into the story, helping him to connect with Essun and felt empathy for her. Hoa, the narrator for these sections, explains his...