Allegiant
Chapter Forty-Six
by Roth, VeronicaIn Chapter Forty-Six of *Allegiant*, Tobias confronts Peter about his refusal to inoculate himself the previous day. The tension between them escalates as Tobias reveals he possesses the memory serum, which Peter desperately wants. Peter attempts to take the serum by force, leading to a physical altercation on the snowy streets. Despite Peter’s aggression, Tobias overpowers him, using the opportunity to criticize Peter’s cruel nature and lack of moral restraint. The confrontation highlights the stark contrast between Tobias’s occasional ruthlessness and Peter’s consistent malevolence.
During their fight, Tobias gains the upper hand and pins Peter down, delivering a scathing critique of his character. He accuses Peter of relishing cruelty and believing himself superior to others. Tobias asserts that while he, too, is capable of violence, he sometimes chooses not to act on it, unlike Peter, who consistently embraces his darker impulses. This moment underscores the moral ambiguity of both characters and the internal struggles they face.
After the physical struggle, Peter reveals his true motivation for wanting the memory serum: he is exhausted by his own nature and desires a fresh start. His admission humanizes him, showing a rare moment of vulnerability. Tobias, though initially skeptical, softens slightly, questioning whether erasing one’s past is a cowardly escape. Peter’s response—that he no longer cares—adds depth to his character, suggesting a desperate longing for redemption.
By the chapter’s end, Tobias agrees to give Peter the serum once their current mission is complete, provided Peter ceases his aggressive behavior. The two continue their journey through the snow, their dynamic temporarily stabilized by this uneasy truce. The chapter explores themes of morality, redemption, and the possibility of change, leaving readers to ponder whether Peter’s desire for transformation is genuine or merely another manipulation.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the memory serum in this chapter, and how does it drive the conflict between Tobias and Peter?
Answer:
The memory serum serves as a central point of tension between Tobias and Peter in this chapter. Peter wants the serum to “reset himself” because he’s tired of his cruel nature and desires a fresh start, as he confesses: “I’m sick of doing bad things and liking it.” Tobias initially resists giving it to him, questioning whether this is “the coward’s way out.” The serum represents redemption for Peter but also raises ethical questions about erasing one’s past. Their physical fight over the serum demonstrates its value, and Tobias’s eventual promise to let Peter use it shows a moment of understanding between them.2. How does Tobias’s characterization of Peter reveal his own self-awareness and moral complexity?
Answer:
When Tobias tells Peter, “You are not special… I like to hurt people too,” he demonstrates significant self-awareness about his own capacity for cruelty. While condemning Peter’s consistent choice to act on violent impulses (“you always do, and that makes you evil”), Tobias acknowledges that he shares similar tendencies but exercises restraint (“sometimes I don’t”). This moment reveals Tobias’s moral complexity—he recognizes darkness in himself but draws a distinction between occasional violent capability and Peter’s habitual malice. His critique of Peter’s Dauntless initiation victories being rooted in cruelty rather than skill further shows his analytical understanding of morality.3. Analyze how the physical setting (snowy Chicago streets at night) contributes to the chapter’s tone and themes.
Answer:
The dark, snowy urban setting creates a tense, isolated atmosphere that mirrors the characters’ emotional states. The slippery pavement causes Tobias to fall during the fight, making the conflict more precarious. The moon’s faint light symbolizes the murky morality of their situation—just as visibility is limited, so too are clear answers about right and wrong. The “unmarked snow” they walk through at the end suggests both a clean slate (tying to the memory serum theme) and the uncharted territory of their uneasy truce. The cold environment contrasts with the heat of their confrontation, heightening the scene’s intensity.4. Why might Peter’s request for the memory serum be interpreted as both cowardly and courageous?
Answer:
Peter’s desire for the serum embodies a paradox: Tobias initially frames it as cowardly because it would allow Peter to escape accountability by erasing his past misdeeds rather than atoning for them. However, Peter’s raw confession—”I’m sick of being this way”—shows unexpected courage in acknowledging his flaws and seeking change, even through drastic means. His willingness to admit, “I think I don’t care if it is or not,” suggests a desperate but authentic desire for transformation. This complexity makes his request morally ambiguous—is it avoidance or the bravest possible choice for someone trapped in destructive patterns?
Quotes
1. “You are not special. I like to hurt people too. I can make the cruelest choice. The difference is, sometimes I don’t, and you always do, and that makes you evil.”
This powerful confrontation between Tobias and Peter reveals the moral distinction between them - both have capacity for cruelty, but Tobias exercises restraint while Peter does not. It’s a key moment of character definition and moral reckoning.
2. “I want the serum because I’m sick of being this way. I’m sick of doing bad things and liking it and then wondering what’s wrong with me. I want it to be over. I want to start again.”
Peter’s vulnerable admission shows his self-awareness and desperation for redemption through the memory serum. This moment humanizes a previously villainous character and raises ethical questions about self-erasure as salvation.
3. “You know why you won fights as an initiate? Because you’re cruel. Because you like to hurt people. And you think you’re special, you think everyone around you is a bunch of sissies who can’t make the tough choices like you can.”
This quote exposes Peter’s fundamental character flaws while also reflecting on the brutal initiation system that rewarded such behavior. It serves as both character analysis and social commentary on their world’s values.