Allegiant
Chapter Nineteen
by Roth, VeronicaTris grapples with the revelation that being Divergent is merely a genetic trait rather than a unique strength, as she compares her DNA results with Tobias’s. Disillusioned, she questions why others still treat Divergence as a sign of superiority and why Tobias seems to accept the idea that he is “damaged.” Her frustration grows as she encounters Nita, a pretty girl who briefly interacts with Tobias, sparking subtle jealousy. Tris’s internal conflict reflects her struggle to reconcile her identity with the new scientific reality presented to her.
The chapter shifts as Zoe invites Tris and others to join a plane ride, stirring a mix of fear and excitement in her. Tris vividly imagines the thrill and danger of flying, recalling her past experiences with heights. Despite her apprehension, she agrees to the journey, drawn by the allure of the unknown. The clear sky above symbolizes inevitability, as if the adventure awaiting her was always meant to happen. This moment highlights Tris’s courage and her willingness to confront the unfamiliar.
As the group prepares to board the plane, Tris observes its imposing size and mechanical complexity, feeling a mix of awe and unease. She notices Tobias’s absence, adding to her emotional turmoil. The plane’s aged interior and the presence of her companions—some friendly, like Uriah and Christina, and others less so, like Peter and Caleb—create a tense yet dynamic atmosphere. Tris’s curiosity about the plane’s purpose leads Zoe to explain its use for surveillance missions, hinting at the broader, chaotic world beyond their controlled environment.
The chapter concludes with the group settling into their seats, exchanging lighthearted banter about the Dauntless faction’s reckless tendencies. Tris’s concern for Tobias lingers, but the focus shifts to the impending flight as Karen, the pilot, reassures them about safety. Uriah’s joking remark about crash survival underscores the group’s underlying tension. The scene sets the stage for their journey into the unknown, blending anticipation, camaraderie, and unresolved personal conflicts as the plane prepares for takeoff.
FAQs
1. How does Tris’s understanding of being Divergent change in this chapter, and what emotional impact does this realization have on her?
Answer:
Tris initially viewed being Divergent as a unique power that set her apart and made her superior to others. However, after comparing her DNA with Tobias’s on a computer screen, she realizes that “Divergent” is merely a genetic marker, like having brown eyes or blond hair. This realization diminishes the significance she once attached to the term. Emotionally, Tris feels conflicted and frustrated, especially since others still treat Divergence as a sign of being “healed” while considering Tobias “damaged.” She struggles with why Tobias accepts this flawed perception and ultimately chooses to distance herself from these thoughts, showing her discomfort with the new understanding of her identity.2. Analyze the significance of the airplane scene in this chapter. How does it reflect Tris’s character and the themes of the story?
Answer:
The airplane scene symbolizes both adventure and uncertainty, mirroring Tris’s internal conflict between fear and excitement. Her anticipation of the flight—comparing it to her experience on the zip line—highlights her Dauntless nature, embracing challenges despite risks. The description of the “inevitability” of the sky reflects her desire to explore new frontiers, a recurring theme in the series. Additionally, the aged, fragile state of the plane parallels the fragile state of the world outside the experiment. Tris’s mixed emotions (shaking hands, looking back for Tobias) reveal her vulnerability, showing that even brave characters face doubt when confronting the unknown.3. What role does Nita play in this chapter, and how does her interaction with Tris reveal underlying tensions?
Answer:
Nita serves as a minor but significant figure who triggers Tris’s insecurities. Her brief conversation with Tobias off-screen leaves Tris uneasy, hinting at potential jealousy or distrust. Tris’s observation that Nita is “pretty” and her sarcastic internal monologue (“the pretty girl who talks to my boyfriend”) reveal her possessiveness and insecurity in her relationship. This interaction subtly foreshadows future conflicts, as Nita’s presence introduces doubt about Tobias’s loyalty and the stability of their bond. The tension reflects Tris’s struggle to balance trust with her instinct to protect herself emotionally.4. How does the chapter contrast the perspectives of Tris and Tobias regarding their genetic identities? Why is this contrast important?
Answer:
Tris rejects the Bureau’s labeling of Divergence as a marker of being “healed,” seeing it as a reductionist view of her identity. In contrast, Tobias seems to accept the idea that he is “damaged,” which frustrates Tris. This contrast highlights their differing approaches to self-perception: Tris resists external definitions, while Tobias internalizes them, possibly due to his traumatic past. The conflict underscores a broader theme of agency—whether identity is self-determined or imposed by others. It also sets up future tension in their relationship, as Tris’s defiance clashes with Tobias’s compliance, questioning who gets to define their worth.5. What does Zoe’s explanation about the fringe reveal about the world outside the experiment, and why might this information be significant later in the story?
Answer:
Zoe describes the fringe as a “large, chaotic” area between Chicago and Milwaukee, monitored by the Bureau for potential threats. This reveals that the world beyond the experiment is unstable and loosely governed, contrasting with the controlled environment of the city. The mention of surveillance missions suggests the Bureau’s authoritarian control extends beyond the experiment, hinting at larger systemic issues. This information is likely significant because the fringe’s chaos could become a refuge or battleground for rebels (like Tris’s group), or it may expose the Bureau’s hypocrisy in claiming to protect genetic purity while neglecting broader societal collapse.
Quotes
1. “When I found out I was Divergent, I thought of it as a secret power that no one else possessed, something that made me different, better, stronger. Now, after comparing my DNA to Tobias’s on a computer screen, I realize that ‘Divergent’ doesn’t mean as much as I thought it did.”
This quote marks a pivotal moment of disillusionment for Tris as she confronts the scientific reality behind her identity. It challenges the specialness she once attributed to being Divergent, reducing it to mere genetic coding.
2. “I imagine hurtling into the air in a car with wings, the energy of the engine and the rush of wind through all the spaces in the walls and the possibility, however slight, that something will fail and I will plummet to my death.”
This passage captures Tris’s characteristic blend of fear and exhilaration when facing danger. It exemplifies her complex relationship with risk and her willingness to confront mortality head-on.
3. “There is a kind of inevitability in it, like it has always been waiting for me, maybe because I relish height while others fear it, or maybe because once you have seen the things that I have seen, there is only one frontier left to explore, and it is above.”
This poetic reflection reveals Tris’s philosophical perspective on her journey. The sky represents both a literal and metaphorical frontier for someone who has already experienced so much transformation and trauma.
4. “The odds of us crashing are actually much lower than the odds of a car crash.” / “So are the odds of survival if we do crash.”
This exchange between the pilot and Uriah provides dark humor while subtly addressing the group’s underlying anxieties. It contrasts professional reassurance with youthful bravado in the face of danger.