Four: A Divergent Collection
The Son
by Roth, VeronicaThe chapter opens with the protagonist settling into a sparse Dauntless apartment, reflecting on their choice to live alone despite the communal nature of their new faction. They unpack their few belongings, including a torn Abnegation shirt, symbolizing their transition from their former life. The quiet moment is interrupted by Max, a Dauntless leader, who scrutinizes the protagonist’s lingering ties to Abnegation. His disdain for their past faction is evident, setting the tone for the tension between the protagonist’s old identity and their new Dauntless role.
Max reveals an unexpected opportunity: the protagonist has been selected for a rigorous year-long training program to potentially become a Dauntless leader. Despite initial hesitation—stemming from a reluctance to be forced into the role—the protagonist agrees, recognizing the chance to influence Dauntless from within. Max’s offer is both a privilege and a challenge, forcing the protagonist to confront their mixed feelings about leadership and their unresolved past. The chapter highlights the protagonist’s internal conflict between their Abnegation roots and their Dauntless future.
The protagonist’s friends, Zeke and Shauna, react with a mix of humor and admiration when they learn about the leadership opportunity. Their lighthearted banter contrasts with the protagonist’s unease, particularly their dread of facing their father, a prominent Abnegation figure, in future faction dealings. This looming confrontation underscores the emotional weight of their decision, as the protagonist grapples with the reality of their new position and the fears it resurrects.
The chapter closes with the protagonist surrounded by friends, yet acutely aware of the scrutiny and expectations now placed upon them. Their journey from a solitary initiate to a potential leader is marked by both external validation and internal doubt. The narrative emphasizes the protagonist’s struggle to reconcile their past with their future, leaving readers with a sense of anticipation for the challenges ahead.
FAQs
1. How does the protagonist’s background in Abnegation influence their current experience in Dauntless, as shown in this chapter?
Answer:
The protagonist’s Abnegation upbringing continues to shape their Dauntless experience in several ways. They prefer living alone, finding comfort in the silence and simplicity reminiscent of Abnegation lifestyle, unlike their peers who crave community (shown when they mention “this just feels more normal”). Their hesitation to discard Abnegation clothing and their discomfort with casual physical contact (like handshakes) further highlight this lingering identity. Additionally, their desire for meaningful work (“to make a difference”) rather than pure thrill-seeking reflects Abnegation values of service. However, this creates tension, as seen when Max disapproves of their gray slacks and urges them to let go of their old faction faster.2. Analyze the power dynamics between Max and the protagonist during their conversation about leadership training. How does Max assert control while appearing to offer choice?
Answer:
Max employs subtle psychological tactics to steer the protagonist toward accepting the leadership role. While verbally stating “of course you have a choice,” he frames alternatives as undesirable (“standing around a fence with a gun”) and appeals to the protagonist’s pride (“first-ranked initiate can do better”). His physical demeanor—sitting backward on a chair, tracking dust, and displaying scars—reinforces Dauntless authority. The rushed timeline (“starts tomorrow”) and assumption of compliance (“you won’t need job selection”) create pressure. This manipulative “illusion of choice” is effective, as the protagonist ultimately agrees despite initial reservations about the lack of autonomy.3. What internal conflict does the protagonist face upon accepting the leadership opportunity, and why does this reveal a key character tension?
Answer:
The protagonist realizes that becoming a leader will force recurring interactions with their father, an Abnegation leader, causing immediate physical anxiety (“fingers go numb”). This exposes their core tension between embracing Dauntless identity and unresolved familial trauma. While they’ve conquered simulated fears, facing their father in reality represents a deeper challenge—reconciling faction loyalty with personal history. The contrast between their confidence in simulations (“nod without thinking” about fear landscapes) and visceral dread of real confrontation highlights how faction transition involves more than just skills, but emotional integration of past and present selves.4. How does the author use sensory details to contrast the protagonist’s old and new lives in this chapter? Provide specific examples.
Answer:
Sensory imagery sharply differentiates the protagonist’s Abnegation past and Dauntless present. The “cedar and dust” smell of the Dauntless blanket contrasts with the sterile simplicity of Abnegation. Tactile details like the “torn” Abnegation shirt (now too small) symbolize outgrown identity, while Max’s “mud-caked boots” represent Dauntless ruggedness. Auditory cues also matter: the “knock” interrupts solitude, emphasizing communal Dauntless culture versus Abnegation quiet. Most poignantly, the protagonist sweeps up Max’s dried earth traces—a tactile metaphor for cleaning up the messy but vibrant remnants of their new life, unlike the “streaked broom strokes” of their spotless old one.5. Evaluate how the protagonist’s friends (Zeke, Shauna, etc.) react to their leadership opportunity. What does this reveal about Dauntless values?
Answer:
The friends’ reactions—joking about killing the protagonist during initiation—reflect Dauntless values of meritocracy and dark humor. Their teasing (“should have tried harder”) acknowledges that leadership is earned through achievement, not favoritism. Shauna’s genuine “you deserve it” shows respect for skill over faction loyalty, as the protagonist was originally Abnegation. However, Uriah and Marlene’s absence from this conversation hints at hierarchy; only top initiates like Zeke/Shauna are privy to the news. This mirrors Dauntless’ competitive nature, where status matters but camaraderie exists among equals. The scene balances admiration with rivalry, embodying the faction’s blend of toughness and loyalty.
Quotes
1. “The Dauntless lottery was kind to me, because I was ranked first, and because unlike my outgoing fellow initiates, I wanted to live alone. The others, like Zeke and Shauna, grew up surrounded by Dauntless community, and to them the silence and the stillness of living alone would be unbearable.”
This quote highlights the protagonist’s introverted nature and the cultural divide between those raised in Dauntless versus other factions. It establishes the tension between his Abnegation roots and his new Dauntless identity.
2. “I think I just don’t like when I’m not given a choice.”
A pivotal moment where the protagonist recognizes his core value of autonomy, inherited from his Abnegation background. This simple statement reveals his internal conflict about Dauntless’ authoritarian tendencies.
3. “I’ve faced my fears so many times in simulations, but that doesn’t mean I’m ready to face them in reality.”
This insightful reflection captures the book’s central theme about the difference between simulated courage and real-world confrontation. It foreshadows his impending need to face his father in a leadership role.
4. “I only just found friends; I don’t want to create jealous tension between us for no reason.”
Shows the protagonist’s careful navigation of social dynamics and his awareness of how his success might affect relationships. This demonstrates his emotional intelligence and lingering Abnegation consideration for others.
5. “Congrats, Four. You deserve it.”
Shauna’s genuine support represents an important moment of acceptance within Dauntless. This brief exchange validates his place in the faction while maintaining the competitive undertones of their world.