Insurgent
Chapter Thirty-Eight
by Veronica, RothThe chapter opens with the protagonist reflecting on her mother’s words during a past simulation attack, questioning whether her mother’s intention was solely to save her or also to protect a file. This internal conflict is compounded by her distrust of Marcus, whom she acknowledges as neither wholly good nor bad, but a complex figure whose cruelty doesn’t necessarily make him dishonest. As she walks back to the Eaton house, she notices fires burning in large metal bowls, signaling a gathering of Dauntless and factionless members, where leaders like Evelyn, Harrison, Tori, and Tobias prepare to announce their attack plan against the Erudite.
The leaders reveal a broad strategy to assault Erudite headquarters, emphasizing the need to destroy their information and control mechanisms, particularly the simulation transmitters. Evelyn and Tori explain that those with transmitters must stay behind to avoid being weaponized by Jeanine, sparking mixed reactions among the crowd. The protagonist observes the unity of the factions in their shared hatred of Erudite but remains uncertain about the morality of their plan. Tobias and Christina, however, seem hesitant, hinting at underlying dissent.
As the crowd erupts in cheers, the protagonist feels a surge of collective triumph but also notices Evelyn’s detached demeanor, describing her expression as mask-like. Tori rallies the group with a chant of “Down with Erudite,” which unites the factions in their common enemy. However, the protagonist’s friends, Christina and Tobias, refrain from joining, with Christina voicing her discomfort. Lynn, on the other hand, passionately defends the attack, recalling the atrocities committed by Erudite.
The chapter ends on a tense note, highlighting the moral ambiguity of the planned attack. While the factions are united in their desire for revenge, the protagonist and her close allies grapple with the ethical implications of their actions. The contrast between the fervor of the crowd and the reservations of key characters underscores the chapter’s central conflict: the fine line between justice and vengeance, and the cost of collective violence.
FAQs
1. What internal conflict does Tris experience regarding her mother’s words and Marcus’s information?
Answer:
Tris struggles with interpreting her mother’s statement about saving her during the simulation attack. Initially, she understood it as her mother’s sole intention to rescue her, but after Marcus’s revelation about a secret file, Tris questions whether her mother meant she had to choose between saving Tris or protecting the file. This creates doubt about whether she’s accurately remembering her mother’s words or manipulating her memory based on Marcus’s claims. Tris acknowledges that while Marcus has done cruel things, this doesn’t necessarily make him dishonest, showing her complex evaluation of truth and morality in their society.2. How does the leadership present their attack plan against Erudite, and what ethical concerns does it raise?
Answer:
Evelyn and Tori outline a broad attack strategy targeting all Erudite in their headquarters, assuming those who oppose Jeanine have already left. They emphasize destroying Erudite’s information base to eliminate their control. This raises ethical concerns about collective punishment, as the plan makes no distinction between supporters and opponents of Jeanine. The leadership’s rhetoric (“cleansing it of Erudite’s influence”) suggests a dangerously absolute approach, which troubles some characters like Christina and Tobias, who don’t join the enthusiastic chanting, indicating moral reservations about the plan’s indiscriminate nature.3. What significant logistical and safety considerations are addressed regarding the upcoming attack?
Answer:
The leaders establish two key safety measures: first, anyone shot with simulation transmitters must stay behind to prevent being weaponized by Jeanine, though Uriah suggests this might not be strictly enforced. Second, they organize mixed factionless-Dauntless groups, with a main force working through the building systematically while smaller teams target key officials. The three-day preparation period acknowledges the operation’s danger. Lynn’s protest about staying highlights how these restrictions affect individuals, while Uriah’s mention of Divergent immunity shows special considerations for those resistant to simulations.4. How does the chapter illustrate the evolving dynamics between Dauntless and factionless?
Answer:
The chapter shows both unity and underlying tension between the groups. While they stand together against Erudite (with coordinated fire bowls and joint leadership), Tris notes the factionless’s better discipline compared to Dauntless’s slower response. The mixed attack groups represent forced cooperation, and Tris’s reflection on Dauntless’s past criticism of Abnegation helping factionless reveals lingering prejudices. The shared enemy creates temporary solidarity (“Down with Erudite!”), but Tris’s question—”does that make us friends?“—underscores the alliance’s fragility, hinting at future conflicts once their common goal is achieved.5. What contrasting reactions to the attack plan reveal about different characters’ perspectives?
Answer:
The crowd’s unified shouting shows most embrace the plan emotionally, particularly Lynn, who focuses on Erudite’s past crimes. In contrast, Christina voices discomfort (“This doesn’t feel right”), representing moral hesitation. Tobias remains neutral and observant, his silence suggesting strategic or ethical concerns. Tris experiences internal conflict, feeling both the pull of vengeance (“clamoring for destruction”) and thoughtful reservation. Evelyn’s emotionless delivery versus Tori’s passionate yelling further shows leadership differences. These reactions foreshadow potential divisions in how characters will engage with the coming violence and its consequences.
Quotes
1. “Our society is not divided into ‘good’ and ‘bad.’ Cruelty does not make a person dishonest, the same way bravery does not make a person kind. Marcus is not good or bad, but both.”
This quote captures Tris’s nuanced reflection on moral complexity, rejecting binary thinking about character. It represents a key moment of maturity as she evaluates Marcus’s credibility despite his flaws.
2. “There is no way to know who among the Erudite supports Jeanine and who does not. It is therefore safer to assume that all those who do not support her have already vacated Erudite headquarters.”
This chilling justification from Tori reveals the ruthless logic behind their attack plan, highlighting the ethical dilemma of collective punishment versus strategic necessity in their rebellion.
3. “We all know that Erudite’s power lies not in its people but in its information. As long as they still possess that information, we will never be free of them.”
Evelyn’s statement crystallizes the core conflict - this isn’t just about defeating enemies but destroying systems of control. It underscores the ideological battle over knowledge and power in their society.
4. “We share a common enemy, but does that make us friends?”
Tris’s internal question cuts to the heart of the uneasy alliance between Dauntless and factionless. This moment of doubt foreshadows potential future conflicts beneath their temporary unity.
5. “This doesn’t feel right.”
Christina’s simple but powerful objection represents the moral counterpoint to the war fervor. Her discomfort contrasts with the crowd’s bloodlust, introducing crucial dissent about their violent path forward.