Allegiant
Chapter Five
by Roth, VeronicaTris awakens in the middle of the night to meet Tobias, sneaking out of Erudite headquarters unnoticed. The cool night air refreshes her as she crosses Michigan Avenue, taking advantage of her small stature to avoid detection. She finds Tobias waiting on the lawn, dressed in mixed faction colors, and learns that her friends Christina and Cara have been released without further questioning. Their reunion is tender, marked by a soft kiss, as Tobias reveals his plan for their first proper date, a rare moment of normalcy amidst the chaos of their lives.
The couple ventures to a massive metal structure, reminiscent of their earlier climb on the Ferris wheel. Tobias leads Tris up the beams to a secluded spot between two metal plates, where they settle in with a blanket and drinks stolen from the Erudite kitchens. The sweet, lemon-flavored beverage prompts lighthearted banter, but the conversation soon turns serious. Tris acknowledges Tobias’s anger over her past lies and risky decisions, particularly her near-fatal mission to Erudite headquarters, which left him devastated.
Tris admits she now values her life more deeply after facing death, emphasizing her desire for honesty in their relationship. However, she also calls out Tobias’s occasional condescension, which she feels undermines their trust. Tobias defends his concern for her safety, arguing that her reckless actions warranted his frustration. Their exchange highlights the tension between Tris’s independence and Tobias’s protective instincts, a recurring conflict in their dynamic.
Despite their disagreements, the chapter captures a fragile yet hopeful moment between the two. The date symbolizes their effort to rebuild trust and enjoy simple pleasures amid ongoing turmoil. The metal structure, with its towering plates and secluded perch, serves as a metaphor for their relationship—complex, precarious, but ultimately a refuge. The chapter ends with their unresolved conversation lingering, suggesting deeper discussions and challenges ahead.
FAQs
1. How does Tris demonstrate her growth in this chapter compared to her earlier self?
Answer:
Tris shows significant personal growth by acknowledging her past recklessness and expressing a newfound desire to live honestly. Earlier in the series, she was willing to sacrifice herself without fully considering the consequences (e.g., her near-death mission to Erudite headquarters). In this chapter, she reflects: “I used to think about giving my life for things, but I didn’t understand what ‘giving your life’ really was until it was right there.” This maturity is further shown in her commitment to honesty with Tobias and her awareness of their communication issues.2. Analyze the symbolic significance of Tobias and Tris’s “date” location on the metal structure.
Answer:
The metal structure—a stage with exploded aluminum can-like plates—symbolizes both their fractured society and their relationship’s rebuilding phase. Climbing it mirrors their first bonding experience on the Ferris wheel (referenced by Tris: “This feels familiar”), but with reversed roles (Tobias now leads). The precarious height represents emotional vulnerability during their serious conversation, while the V-shaped seating suggests two divergent paths coming together. The blanket and stolen drinks create intimacy amid chaos, reflecting their effort to nurture connection despite external conflicts.3. What communication barriers exist between Tris and Tobias, and how do they address them?
Answer:
Their barriers include Tris’s secrecy (lying about working with Marcus) and Tobias’s condescension (“that condescending way you sometimes do”). Tris admits fault for past deceptions but asserts boundaries: “I won’t do it if you won’t trust me.” Tobias struggles with anger over her risk-taking and abandonment (“what it was like to wake up alone”). Their drink-sharing ritual—opting for “clear heads”—shows a mutual commitment to honest dialogue. However, Tobias’s interruption (“You were doing ridiculous, risky things—”) suggests unresolved tension about autonomy versus protection.4. How does the author use sensory details to establish mood in the nighttime setting?
Answer:
Roth creates a tense yet intimate atmosphere through tactile and temperature cues. The “cool air” and Tris pulling sleeves over her fingers contrast with the warmth of Tobias’s hands on her waist, heightening physical awareness. Visual minimalism (“teeth a flash in the dark”) focuses attention on their interaction. The stolen drink’s overwhelming sweetness (“sweet as syrup and lemon-flavored”) mirrors the awkwardness of their conversation—initially jarring but improving with time. These details ground the emotional vulnerability in visceral experience.5. Evaluate how faction symbolism manifests in Tobias’s clothing choices.
Answer:
Tobias’s mixed attire (gray T-shirt for Abnegation, blue jeans for Erudite, black hoodie for Dauntless) visually represents his divergent aptitudes and identity crisis. As a Divergent individual, he rejects singular faction allegiance—a rebellion against the societal hierarchy that caused the conflict. The combination also mirrors Tris’s own test results (referenced: “all the factions my aptitude test told me I was qualified for”), symbolizing their shared outsider status. However, his ability to blend these elements comfortably suggests greater self-acceptance than Tris, who still grapples with identity.
Quotes
1. “Chaos and destruction do tend to take away a person’s dating possibilities.”
This humorous yet poignant line from Tris captures the dystopian reality they live in, where normal relationship milestones are disrupted by societal collapse. It reflects the chapter’s theme of finding human connection amidst turmoil.
2. “I used to think about giving my life for things, but I didn’t understand what ‘giving your life’ really was until it was right there, about to be taken from me.”
This powerful reflection by Tris represents a key character development moment, showing her evolving perspective on sacrifice and survival. It’s central to the chapter’s exploration of mortality and purpose.
3. “I know I want to live. I know I want to be honest with you. But… but I can’t do that, I won’t do it, if you won’t trust me, or if you talk to me in that condescending way you sometimes do—”
This emotional exchange between Tris and Tobias reveals the core tension in their relationship - the struggle between independence and intimacy. It highlights the chapter’s focus on trust and communication in their evolving dynamic.
4. “You’re very good-looking.” / “I like this ‘nice’ thing.”
This playful banter provides a lighter moment that contrasts with the heavier themes, showing the characters’ ability to find joy in each other despite their circumstances. It represents the chapter’s balance of humor and seriousness.