Allegiant
Chapter Forty-Three
by Roth, VeronicaThe chapter opens with Tris attending an Emergency Council meeting where plans are finalized to release viruses over the cities later that evening. Despite the gravity of the situation, she exchanges pleasantries with David before leaving early. The scene shifts to a more intimate moment as Tris and Tobias spend time together in the atrium, enjoying rare quiet moments of connection. They reflect on their tumultuous relationship, filled with constant threats, and look forward to a future where they can focus on rebuilding their world together, savoring the simplicity of ordinary life.
Tris and Tobias share a tender yet bittersweet goodbye as he prepares to leave. Tobias expresses concern about leaving her alone to face the impending mission, while Tris reassures him and acknowledges the importance of their separate responsibilities. Their conversation reveals their deep mutual care, with Tris emphasizing her need to be with her brother Caleb before the mission. The emotional weight of their separation is palpable, but both cling to the hope of reuniting the next day to plan their future together.
Their farewell escalates into a passionate moment, with Tobias pulling Tris close in a kiss that heightens her senses. The author vividly captures Tris’s sensory experience—the taste, touch, and surroundings—as the couple shares a profound connection. The intensity of their emotions culminates in declarations of love, reinforcing their bond despite the uncertainty ahead. Tobias departs, leaving Tris standing in the fading sunlight, symbolizing the transition from warmth and love to the cold reality of her impending task.
The chapter concludes with Tris steeling herself for what lies ahead, shifting her focus to her brother Caleb. The contrast between the tender moments with Tobias and the looming mission underscores the emotional complexity of her situation. The narrative leaves readers with a sense of impending tension, as Tris prepares to face her responsibilities alone, balancing love, duty, and sacrifice on the eve of a pivotal event.
FAQs
1. What is the primary conflict Tris faces in this chapter, and how does it contrast with her personal moments with Tobias?
Answer:
The primary conflict Tris faces is the impending deployment of memory-erasing viruses over the cities, which she discusses in the Emergency Council meeting. This contrasts sharply with her intimate moments with Tobias in the atrium, where they enjoy rare peaceful time together. While the chapter shows Tris preparing for a large-scale, morally complex mission (the virus deployment), it also highlights her desire for normalcy and quiet moments in a relationship. This juxtaposition emphasizes the tension between her public responsibilities and private desires, with Tris noting they’ve had few quiet moments amid constant threats.2. Analyze how the setting of the atrium scene contributes to the chapter’s themes. What symbolism can be found in the description of the plants and sunlight?
Answer:
The atrium, filled with strange plants and glowing orange sunlight, symbolizes growth and fragile hope amid darkness. The “green things, growing things” represent the potential for renewal in their relationship and society post-mission, while the sunlight Tris stands in until it disappears suggests fleeting peace before action. The setting’s contrast with the sterile council meetings underscores the theme of humanity vs. cold efficiency in their mission. The higher/lower steps where they stand “on the same plane” also subtly symbolizes their emotional alignment despite physical separation.3. How does the dialogue between Tris and Tobias reveal their differing coping mechanisms for impending difficult tasks?
Answer:
Tobias expresses his discomfort with separation (“I don’t like that I can’t be with you tonight”), showing his reliance on physical presence for emotional support. Tris responds with defensive independence (“you don’t think I can handle it?”), then pragmatism about bearing burdens separately. Their exchange about Uriah’s family and Caleb reveals Tris’s compartmentalization (focusing on one task) versus Tobias’s holistic concern. However, their physical intimacy (described with sensory detail) becomes a shared coping mechanism, blending Tobias’s need for connection and Tris’s need for present-moment awareness to counter future anxieties.4. What foreshadowing exists in this chapter regarding the characters’ future challenges?
Answer:
Several elements foreshadow coming struggles: 1) Tris’s mention of “reset[ting] the people” hints at unforeseen consequences of the memory virus; 2) Her line “It’ll be nice not having to worry about you” ironically precedes their separation during critical events; 3) Tobias’s “when you’ve done what you set out to do” carries dramatic irony if readers know the plot’s trajectory; 4) The disappearing sunlight as Tris remains alone symbolizes looming darkness. Their repeated focus on “tomorrow” as a resolution creates tension, as the chapter’s final line (“It’s time to be with my brother now”) shifts to immediate, grave responsibility.
Quotes
1. “But I can see a time on the horizon when that won’t need to happen anymore. We will reset the people in the compound, and work to rebuild this place together. Maybe then we can find out if we do as well with the quiet moments as we have with the loud ones.”
This quote captures Tris’s hopeful vision for the future, contrasting the chaos of their current struggles with the possibility of peace and rebuilding. It represents a key emotional turning point where she dares to imagine stability with Tobias.
2. “I just don’t want you to have to bear it alone.”
A poignant moment between Tris and Tobias that underscores their deep care for each other’s burdens. This simple statement encapsulates the chapter’s theme of partnership amidst difficult choices.
3. “I feel aware of everything at once, of the pressure of his mouth and the taste of our kiss and the texture of his skin and the orange light glowing against my closed eyelids and the smell of green things, growing things, in the air.”
This sensory-rich description represents a rare moment of presence and intimacy amidst the looming crisis. The vivid imagery makes this both a memorable passage and a contrast to the chapter’s heavier themes.
4. “I love you,” I say. “I love you, too,” he says. “I’ll see you soon.”
This exchange serves as both a tender moment of connection and a potentially ominous farewell given the dangerous mission ahead. The simplicity makes it emotionally powerful.
5. “It’s time to be with my brother now.”
The chapter’s closing line marks a significant transition, as Tris turns from romance to family duty. This brief statement carries weight as she prepares for difficult decisions regarding Caleb.