Allegiant
Chapter Forty-Two
by Roth, VeronicaThe chapter opens with Tobias waking up beside Tris in a hotel room, observing the birds tattooed on her collarbone. Their closeness feels different this time—not born of necessity or comfort, but simply because they wanted to be together. The intimacy between them is palpable as Tobias traces her tattoos and they share tender moments, though Tris eventually reminds him of their pressing responsibilities for the day. Their playful banter and physical closeness highlight the deepening bond between them, even as reality intrudes.
Tobias suggests helping Tris’s brother, Caleb, with target practice to prepare for upcoming challenges. Despite his lingering dislike for Caleb, Tobias is willing to set aside his feelings for Tris’s sake. The group moves to a training room, where Tobias takes on a mentoring role, teaching Caleb how to handle a gun. The scene contrasts Caleb’s nervousness with Tobias’s confidence, while Tris and Christina observe with amusement. Tobias’s willingness to help Caleb reflects his growth and commitment to Tris.
As the training session progresses, Tobias reflects on the stakes of their mission. Success would mean safety for Chicago, transformation for the Bureau, and a chance for him and Tris to build a new life together. The hopeful tone underscores his optimism, even as he focuses on the practical task of preparing Caleb. The camaraderie among the group is evident, with Tris and Christina sharing whispered jokes and Tobias teasing them in return. The scene balances tension with lightheartedness, emphasizing their unity.
The chapter closes with Caleb’s comically poor first attempt at shooting, which amuses Tobias and prompts Christina to offer advice. The dynamic between the characters—Tobias’s patience, Caleb’s frustration, and the women’s playful teasing—adds levity to the serious context of their mission. The training session serves as both a practical preparation and a moment of bonding, reinforcing the themes of trust and collaboration as they face an uncertain future together.
FAQs
1. How does the morning interaction between Tris and Tobias reflect the evolution of their relationship compared to previous times they’ve slept near each other?
Answer:
The chapter highlights a significant shift in their relationship dynamics. Previously, their physical proximity served practical purposes like comfort or protection (“Every other time we were there to comfort each other or to protect each other”). Now, their closeness stems purely from mutual desire and intimacy (“this time we’re here just because we want to be”). The tender descriptions of Tobias touching Tris’s tattoos and their playful morning banter demonstrate a new level of comfort and emotional connection that has developed beyond survival needs.2. What symbolic significance does the gun training session hold in relation to Caleb’s character development?
Answer:
The training session represents Caleb’s transition from theoretical knowledge to practical survival skills, mirroring his broader character arc. His initial hesitation (“holds the gun with just his fingertips”) and poor first attempt (firing near the ceiling) contrast with his analytical approach (“tongue pushes into his cheek like he’s solving a problem”). This scene shows his willingness to learn practical skills despite his bookish nature, suggesting growth from his previous failures. Tobias’s patient instruction and reference to Caleb’s lucky shot at the Amity compound also indicate a tentative reconciliation between them.3. How does the chapter use contrasting imagery to portray Tobias’s emotional state and hopes for the future?
Answer:
The chapter juxtaposes violent imagery (guns, targets, training weapons) with peaceful domestic metaphors to show Tobias’s internal conflict. While preparing for battle (“everything we could ever need” in the training room), he fantasizes about trading “guns and knives for more productive tools, screwdrivers and nails and shovels.” This contrast between weapons and construction tools reveals his longing for a peaceful future with Tris. The morning’s warmth and intimacy (“warm and soft and pliable”) further emphasizes this duality between present violence and hoped-for tranquility.4. Analyze how the author uses narrative perspective to create dramatic irony in this chapter.
Answer:
As a first-person narration from Tobias’s perspective, the chapter creates dramatic irony through his optimistic projections (“tomorrow Chicago will be safe… Tris and I will be able to build a new life”). Readers familiar with the series’ trajectory recognize the tragic irony in these hopes, making his joyful moments (“Everything comes easily this morning”) particularly poignant. The lighthearted training session atmosphere (jokes about ceiling attacks) contrasts with the impending danger, heightening tension through the disconnect between character knowledge and reader anticipation.5. What does the difference between Dauntless and Bureau training technology reveal about their respective societies?
Answer:
The advanced Bureau training equipment (“more sophisticated than the wooden-board target in the Dauntless training rooms”) with its three-color target and impact-marking technology reflects the Bureau’s scientific prioritization of precision and data collection. Tobias’s admiration (“I wish I’d had this technology during initiation training”) highlights how the Bureau’s resources surpass the faction system’s makeshift solutions. This technological disparity underscores the broader theme of the Bureau’s privileged position controlling the factions’ development, while also showing how different societies prioritize combat training based on their values and resources.
Quotes
1. “We have slept close to each other before, but this time feels different. Every other time we were there to comfort each other or to protect each other; this time we’re here just because we want to be—and because we fell asleep before we could go back to the dormitory.”
This quote captures the evolving intimacy between Tris and Tobias, showing a shift from necessity to genuine desire in their relationship. It marks a tender moment of vulnerability and connection.
2. “If we succeed in what we attempt tonight, tomorrow Chicago will be safe, the Bureau will be forever changed, and Tris and I will be able to build a new life for ourselves somewhere.”
This reflects Tobias’s hopeful vision for the future, tying personal aspirations to larger societal change. It underscores the high stakes of their mission while revealing his longing for peace.
3. “But if you’re going to let what he did go, then I’m going to try to do the same.”
Tobias’s commitment to forgiveness for Caleb’s sake shows his growth and dedication to Tris. This line highlights the theme of reconciliation and the power of love to overcome resentment.
4. “Lucky is better than unlucky. We can work on skill now.”
This pragmatic advice to Caleb during target practice encapsulates Tobias’s worldview - acknowledging fortune while emphasizing self-improvement. It’s a microcosm of his leadership philosophy.
5. “I wish I’d had this technology during initiation training.”
Tobias’s observation about the advanced training equipment serves as a poignant contrast between past struggles and present resources. It subtly comments on how different their world could have been with better tools.