Roth, Veronica — Divergent 01 — Divergent
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
by Veronica, Roth,The chapter opens with the protagonist reflecting on her journey through a familiar tunnel, contrasting her current confidence with her earlier uncertainty during the Choosing Ceremony. She recalls recent Erudite articles criticizing Abnegation, accusing them of hoarding resources and questioning their monopoly on government leadership. These articles unsettle her, but she finds solace in her Dauntless friends, who distract her with small joys like cake batter and card games. Despite these distractions, she seeks solitude to reconnect with her reasons for joining Dauntless, reminiscing about her daring leap off a roof during initiation.
As she lies on a net under a starless sky, the protagonist reflects on her evolving understanding of fear. She recounts facing four harrowing simulations, including being burned alive, drowning, and being forced to shoot her family. These experiences have taught her the true meaning of fear, contrasting sharply with her earlier naive bravery. She realizes her decision to join Dauntless was not just about emulating their boldness but embracing a hidden part of herself that Abnegation suppressed. The quiet night sky brings her a rare moment of mental clarity amid the chaos of initiation.
The protagonist’s introspection is interrupted by a conversation with Four, her instructor, after a particularly grueling simulation. She confesses her emotional struggle with the family-related simulation, revealing how much she misses them. Four’s detached response about his own family surprises her, sparking curiosity about his past. Their prolonged eye contact hints at an unspoken connection, leaving her wondering if he, like her, is Divergent—a dangerous thought she quickly suppresses as she hurries away.
Returning to the dormitory, the protagonist finds the initiates gathered around Eric, who displays their stage two rankings. Though relieved there are no cuts at this stage, the rankings unsettle her. She notices the toll the simulations have taken on her peers, with some suffering nightmares and breakdowns, while she remains relatively resilient. This contrast leaves her questioning whether her strength stems from being Divergent or another unknown factor, adding to her growing sense of isolation and uncertainty about her identity.
FAQs
1. How does Tris’s perspective on fear and Dauntless identity evolve in this chapter?
Answer:
Tris reflects on her initial motivations for joining Dauntless, realizing she didn’t just want to emulate their boldness—she already embodied it. Initially, she thought jumping off the roof was about becoming Dauntless, but now understands it was about embracing her true self, which Abnegation forced her to suppress. Her confrontation with four intense fears (burning, drowning, and family-related traumas) has deepened her understanding of fear itself. This growth is highlighted when she contrasts her current resilience with other initiates breaking down, questioning whether her Divergence or innate strength keeps her steady (e.g., “I know what fear is now”).2. What political tensions emerge from the Erudite articles, and how does Tris interpret them?
Answer:
The Erudite faction releases two provocative articles targeting Abnegation. The first accuses them of hoarding resources (e.g., cars, fresh fruit) to impose their ideology, echoing Cara’s earlier accusation against Tris’s mother. The second critiques faction-based governance, advocating for democratic elections instead. Tris suspects this rational argument masks a call for revolution (“a call for revolution wrapped in the clothing of rationality”). These articles deepen the inter-faction conflict, unsettling Tris but also reinforcing her loyalty to Dauntless and her critical stance toward Erudite’s manipulative tactics.3. Analyze the significance of Tris’s interaction with Four in this chapter. What unspoken questions arise?
Answer:
Their exchange reveals emotional and psychological layers. Tris confesses missing her family, while Four admits he doesn’t—a rare response that intrigues her. Their prolonged eye contact and Tris’s internal question (“Are you Divergent?”) suggest mutual recognition of shared divergence, though unspoken due to its danger. This moment underscores their deepening connection and the tension between secrecy and trust. Four’s atypical lack of familial attachment hints at a troubled past, contrasting with Tris’s Abnegation roots and highlighting how faction backgrounds shape personal bonds.4. How does the setting of the net and the Pit contribute to Tris’s introspection?
Answer:
The net and Pit serve as symbolic and physical spaces for Tris’s self-reflection. Returning to where she first embraced Dauntless, she contrasts her initial uncertainty (“searching for light”) with her current confidence (“I don’t need light anymore”). The vast, starless sky above the net mirrors her mental clarity (“so is my mind”). This isolation allows her to reconcile her past (Abnegation) with her present (Dauntless), emphasizing her journey toward self-acceptance. The setting underscores her transformation from a hesitant initiate to someone who confronts fear head-on.5. What does the initiates’ reaction to the simulation rankings reveal about the pressures of Dauntless initiation?
Answer:
The rankings introduce a competitive undercurrent despite no cuts being made. Tris’s unease (“something is swimming in my stomach”) reflects the psychological toll of constant evaluation. Other initiates, like Drew and Al, exhibit severe stress (insomnia, nightmares), contrasting with Tris’s relative resilience. This disparity raises questions about the initiation’s fairness and the hidden costs of Dauntless’s brutal training. The scene critiques the faction’s culture, where strength is prized but at the risk of mental health, hinting at systemic flaws Tris may later challenge.
Quotes
1. “It makes a lot of sense, which makes me suspect it is a call for revolution wrapped in the clothing of rationality.”
This quote captures Tris’s growing awareness of Erudite’s political manipulation. It shows her critical thinking as she recognizes propaganda disguised as logical argument, foreshadowing the faction’s role in undermining Abnegation.
2. “I jumped off because I already was like them, and I wanted to show myself to them. I wanted to acknowledge a part of myself that Abnegation demanded that I hide.”
A pivotal moment of self-realization where Tris understands her Dauntless nature wasn’t adopted but inherent. This quote reveals the core theme of identity suppression and liberation that drives her character arc.
3. “I know what fear is now… In the past four days, I faced four fears.”
This concise statement marks Tris’s transformation from her initial fearless rooftop jump to truly understanding fear through the Dauntless initiation process. It contrasts her naive bravery with hard-earned courage.
4. “Are you like me? Are you Divergent?”
This silent question represents the dangerous secret Tris carries and her growing suspicion about Four. The unspoken word “Divergent” hanging between them creates tension while highlighting the story’s central mystery about special individuals who don’t fit faction molds.
5. “I stare at the springs above me and wonder what on earth is wrong with me, that I still feel strong when everyone else is breaking down.”
This introspective moment reveals Tris’s isolation and the double-edged nature of being Divergent. While others crumble under simulations, her mental resilience becomes a source of both strength and alienation.