Allegiant
Chapter Seventeen
by Roth, VeronicaThe chapter opens with Tris waking before sunrise in the compound, observing her companions still asleep. She ventures into the nearly empty hallways, noting the architectural emphasis on natural light through glass ceilings and walls. Drawn to revisit a mysterious sculpture she noticed earlier, Tris examines the imposing artwork—a dark stone slab with a suspended water tank above it, dripping water at regular intervals. The sculpture’s symbolism is later explained by Zoe, a Bureau member, as representing the Bureau of Genetic Welfare’s gradual approach to solving genetic issues: the stone signifies the problem, the water symbolizes potential, and the drops represent incremental efforts.
Zoe interprets the sculpture optimistically, emphasizing how persistent small actions can eventually reshape the stone, as evidenced by a shallow impression formed over time. Tris, however, questions whether such patience is always practical, suggesting that some problems might require more aggressive solutions. Their conversation reveals Tris’s skepticism toward the Bureau’s methods, though she acknowledges the quiet hope the sculpture inspires. The dialogue highlights a tension between gradual change and urgent action, reflecting Tris’s impulsive nature contrasted with the Bureau’s measured philosophy.
The tone shifts when Zoe reveals she was sent to bring Tris to the labs, where an item belonging to Tris’s mother awaits. This news stuns Tris, evoking a mix of curiosity and emotional turmoil. As they walk, Zoe warns Tris that her presence may attract attention, as Bureau members have been observing her actions via surveillance screens. Tris reacts with discomfort, resenting the idea of being watched and idealized as a hero, especially given the life-or-death struggles she’s endured. Zoe apologizes for unintentionally trivializing Tris’s experiences, but the tension lingers.
The chapter closes with Tris grappling with the discomfort of being scrutinized by the Bureau, a feeling compounded by the impending encounter with her mother’s belongings. The juxtaposition of the sculpture’s symbolism and Tris’s personal journey underscores themes of agency, legacy, and the weight of external expectations. The narrative sets the stage for deeper exploration of Tris’s past and her conflicted relationship with the Bureau’s mission, leaving readers curious about the revelations awaiting her in the labs.
FAQs
1. What is the symbolic meaning of the sculpture Tris encounters in the Bureau compound, and how does Zoe interpret its message differently than Tris initially does?
Answer:
The sculpture consists of a large dark stone slab with a suspended glass tank of water above it, where water droplets fall at regular intervals. According to Zoe, it represents the Bureau of Genetic Welfare’s mission: the stone symbolizes the genetic problem they face, the water tank represents their potential to enact change, and the droplets signify their current limited actions. Tris initially laughs at what she perceives as a pessimistic representation of slow progress. However, Zoe offers an alternative interpretation—that persistent small actions (like water droplets) can create lasting change over time, as evidenced by the shallow bowl worn into the stone.2. How does the chapter portray the contrast between Tris’s impulsive nature and the Bureau’s patient, methodical approach?
Answer:
The chapter highlights this contrast through Tris’s reaction to the sculpture and her conversation with Zoe. While the Bureau’s symbol emphasizes gradual, persistent effort (“tiny drops of water”), Tris questions why they don’t take more drastic action (“unleash the whole tank at once”). This reflects her character’s tendency toward bold, immediate solutions, as seen in her past decisions. The Bureau’s approach, however, prioritizes sustainability and long-term impact, which Zoe defends by noting genetic damage requires careful, ongoing intervention rather than one dramatic effort.3. What insights does the chapter provide about how the Bureau views Tris and her companions, and how does Tris react to this realization?
Answer:
Zoe reveals that Bureau members have been observing Tris and her friends via surveillance screens, with many younger agents considering them heroic figures. This unsettles Tris, who sarcastically remarks that survival—not heroism—was her actual focus. The revelation makes her feel exposed and uncomfortable, as if she’s been “watched” without consent. This moment underscores the power imbalance between the Bureau (as observers/controllers) and Tris’s group (as unwitting subjects of experimentation), foreshadowing potential conflicts about agency and privacy.4. Analyze how the chapter uses light and water imagery to convey themes of hope and transformation.
Answer:
Light and water imagery permeates the chapter to symbolize hope and gradual change. The compound’s glass ceilings and walls flood the space with morning light, suggesting transparency and optimism. The sculpture’s water droplets refract light as they fall, tying the Bureau’s mission to both illumination and persistence. While the stone slab appears unyielding, the water’s slow erosion demonstrates how small actions can reshape even hard obstacles. Tris’s question about “unleashing the whole tank” introduces a contrasting imagery of sudden, overwhelming force, but Zoe’s perspective reaffirms the transformative power of steady, patient effort.5. How does the chapter build suspense around the revelation about Tris’s mother, and what might this suggest about upcoming plot developments?
Answer:
The chapter creates suspense by delaying the information about Tris’s mother until the very end. Zoe initially appears just to explain the sculpture, then casually mentions David’s request as an afterthought. Tris’s shocked reaction (“My voice comes out sounding strangled”) hints at the emotional weight of this discovery. The abrupt cutoff mid-conversation (“There’s something there that belonged to your mother”) leaves readers questioning what the object might be and how it connects to the Bureau’s secrets. This foreshadows deeper exploration of Tris’s family history and the Bureau’s involvement in her life.
Quotes
1. “The slab of stone is the problem we’re facing. The tank of water is our potential for changing that problem. And the drop of water is what we’re actually able to do, at any given time.”
This quote explains the symbolic meaning of the Bureau’s sculpture, representing their approach to solving genetic damage through small, persistent efforts rather than immediate large-scale solutions. It introduces a key philosophical tension in the chapter about incremental change versus bold action.
2. “I prefer to look at it another way—which is that if they are persistent enough, even tiny drops of water, over time, can change the rock forever. And it will never change back.”
Zoe offers an alternative interpretation of the sculpture’s symbolism, emphasizing the power of sustained small actions. This represents the Bureau’s long-term perspective and contrasts with Tris’s more impulsive approach to problem-solving.
3. “I feel like when you believe that something is truly a problem, you throw everything you have at it, because you just can’t help yourself.”
Tris challenges the Bureau’s patient philosophy, expressing her belief in bold, all-in action when facing serious problems. This quote captures the central conflict between Tris’s activist mentality and the Bureau’s measured approach.
4. “Your face is a familiar one here. People in the Bureau watch the screens often, and for the past few months, you’ve been involved in a lot of interesting things.”
This revelation about the Bureau’s surveillance of Tris and others introduces themes of privacy and objectification. It creates unease about how the outsiders have been observing the characters’ struggles as entertainment or research.
5. “Heroism is what I was focused on. Not, you know, trying not to die.”
Tris’s sarcastic response highlights the disconnect between how others perceive her actions and her actual survival motivations. This quote critiques romanticized notions of heroism versus the reality of survival situations.