The idea of transformation is central to Jemisin’s conception of combatting oppressive social systems to create a better world. Different types of transformation appear at every level of The Obelisk Gate, making it an important motif. On a planetary scale, the environment is undergoing continual transformation, becoming more hostile and unlivable as the Season deepens and necessitating further change from the people and species that live in the Stillness. However, this Season is different since it is the product of Alabaster’s attempt to destroy the Earth in order to radically transform it and end the cycles of suffering and oppression that have lasted thousands of years.

On a smaller scale, many of the characters undergo a transformation of some kind. Essun has already changed from Damaya and Syenite but must now unlearn many of her assumptions about the world. Hoa literally transforms back into his natural stone eater form so that he can better defend Essun. Schaffa attempts to transform into a new version of himself to make amends for his past mistakes. Lastly, Alabaster is slowly turning to stone—a consequence of his decision to tear the Earth in two.