Four: A Divergent Collection
“You Look Good, Tris.”
by Roth, VeronicaThe chapter opens with the narrator, seemingly intoxicated, laughing at a comment made by Zeke in the chaotic environment of the Pit. The narrator’s disorientation is evident as they struggle to steady themselves, while also attempting to suppress memories of an Abnegation attack. Their attention shifts abruptly when they spot Tris in the crowd, noting her altered appearance—less covered up than usual—which sparks a moment of self-reprimand for their lingering thoughts. The narrator’s impulsive call to Tris sets the stage for their interaction, highlighting their lack of inhibition and Tris’s striking presence.
As the narrator approaches Tris, they clumsily compliment her, stumbling over their words to avoid implying she looked immature before. Tris responds with equal brevity, her wariness palpable as she questions the narrator’s reckless behavior near the chasm. The conversation takes a more intimate turn when the narrator notices Tris’s tattoo of three crows, symbolizing her fears. This observation leads to internal musings about why she would embrace her fears rather than hide them, contrasting with the narrator’s own shame. The tension between their playful banter and underlying vulnerability is underscored by Tris’s guarded demeanor.
The narrator’s attempt to invite Tris to join their group is met with hesitation, as they acknowledge their drunken state and the unvarnished version of themselves they’re presenting. Tris’s willingness to engage, despite her apparent discomfort, hints at a deeper connection. The narrator’s physical proximity to Tris—leaning in close, noticing her scent and the softness of her skin—reveals their attraction, which Tris neither rejects nor fully reciprocates. Their whispered compliment, “You look good, Tris,” is met with laughter, leaving the narrator to ponder whether her amusement signals genuine affection.
The chapter closes with Tris’s warning for the narrator to stay away from the chasm, a moment of concern that contrasts with their earlier flirtation. Her smile lingers in the narrator’s mind, sparking hope that she might still care for them, even in their flawed state. The narrator reflects that Tris, unlike alcohol, offers a more meaningful escape from the world’s harshness. This realization underscores the chapter’s themes of vulnerability, attraction, and the struggle to confront one’s fears and desires.
FAQs
1. How does the narrator’s intoxication affect his perception and behavior in this chapter?
Answer:
The narrator’s drunken state significantly alters his perception and actions throughout the chapter. He describes the Pit swaying “like I’m standing on a swing,” showing impaired balance and spatial awareness. His inhibitions are lowered, leading to impulsive actions like calling out to Tris and leaning in closer than intended. The alcohol also affects his memory (“I hardly remember”) and emotional filters, as he nearly voices inappropriate thoughts about Tris before stopping himself. His drunken honesty reveals deeper feelings when he admits Tris helps him “forget how awful the world is” more effectively than alcohol.2. What does the interaction reveal about the evolving relationship between the narrator and Tris?
Answer:
This encounter shows significant development in their relationship. The narrator’s unfiltered compliment (“You look good, Tris”) and physical proximity (noting her scent and skin contact) suggest romantic attraction, while Tris’s lack of withdrawal and smile indicate potential reciprocation. Their conversation moves beyond surface-level interactions as they acknowledge seeing each other’s real selves (“you’re not supposed to see me this way”). The narrator’s realization that she might like him despite his drunken state shows growing emotional intimacy, contrasting with earlier chapters where they maintained more guarded interactions.3. Analyze the significance of Tris’s crow tattoo in this scene.
Answer:
The crow tattoo symbolizes Tris’s complex relationship with fear. The narrator notes the irony of permanently displaying her worst fear (crows) rather than hiding it, suggesting Tris confronts rather than suppresses her fears. This contrasts with the narrator’s shame about his own fears. The three simple flying birds may represent overcoming multiple fears or stages of growth. Their placement on her collarbone—a visible yet intimate location—reflects Tris’s willingness to be vulnerable while maintaining strength. The tattoo serves as both a personal reminder and public declaration of her Dauntless identity and resilience.4. How does the chapter illustrate the theme of self-deception versus honesty?
Answer:
The chapter explores this theme through multiple layers. The narrator openly admits lying to himself about remembering the Abnegation attack (“it’s never too late to get comfortable with lying to yourself”). His drunken state forces uncharacteristic honesty about his attraction to Tris and his coping mechanisms. Tris demonstrates awareness of this duality by agreeing to pretend she didn’t see his “real” self. Their interaction suggests that while temporary self-deception may be necessary (“I’ll pretend I didn’t”), meaningful connections require moments of vulnerability, as shown when the narrator prefers Tris’s company over alcohol for authentic escape.5. What does the setting (near the chasm) contribute to the chapter’s tension and symbolism?
Answer:
The chasm setting creates both literal and metaphorical tension. The narrator’s joking about “flirting with death” by drinking near the edge introduces physical danger that mirrors their emotional precariousness. Tris’s serious warning to stay away contrasts with his careless attitude, reflecting their different approaches to risk. The chasm symbolizes the dangerous emotional territory they’re navigating—coming dangerously close to revealing true feelings. The railing they hold represents the fragile barriers between them, while the Pit’s swaying motion mirrors their unstable emotional states. This environment underscores the chapter’s themes of risk, vulnerability, and the pull between safety and desire.
Quotes
1. “Well, that’s actually a lie, but it’s never too late to get comfortable with lying to yourself.”
This quote captures the narrator’s self-awareness and internal conflict, revealing a theme of self-deception as a coping mechanism in difficult circumstances.
2. “I want to ask her why she would get one of her worst fears tattooed on her body, why she would want to wear the mark of her fear forever instead of burying it, ashamed.”
This thought reveals a key contrast between the characters’ approaches to fear - Tris embraces hers while the narrator hides his, highlighting an important character dynamic.
3. “I’d ask you to hang out with us, but you’re not supposed to see me this way… Real, I guess.”
This vulnerable admission shows the narrator’s awareness of his carefully constructed persona and his rare moment of authenticity with Tris.
4. “You look good, Tris, I say, because I’m not sure she knows it, and she should.”
This tender moment reveals the narrator’s growing affection for Tris and his desire to affirm her worth beyond her physical appearance.
5. “One thing I know: For helping me forget how awful the world is, I prefer her to alcohol.”
This concluding line powerfully shows Tris’s significance to the narrator as both a comfort and a healthier alternative to his usual coping mechanisms.