Insurgent
Chapter Twenty-Five
by Veronica, RothThe chapter opens with Tris and her friends gathering for dinner in the Dauntless kitchens, where she reflects on the losses they’ve endured. Sitting at the table she once shared with Christina, Al, and Will, Tris is overwhelmed by guilt, believing her actions could have saved them. The mood lightens slightly when Uriah joins her, piling his tray with cake, and Marlene secretly holds his hand under the table. Their budding relationship becomes the center of attention, especially after Lynn’s sharp comments provoke Marlene to kiss Uriah openly, causing Lynn to storm off in frustration.
Tris observes the dynamics around her, noting the tension between Christina and herself, as well as the playful affection between Uriah and Marlene. The scene shifts when Tobias arrives, his injured knuckles hinting at a recent struggle. He asks Tris to accompany him to a meeting, praising her perceptiveness. As they leave the cafeteria, Tris notices a syringe in the fear landscape room, prompting her to question Tobias about his recent visit. He admits to revisiting his fears, though the number remains unchanged, and avoids further discussion.
The pair hurry to catch a train, with Tris sensing they are heading to meet the factionless. Their conversation is tense but hopeful, as Tris wonders if their relationship might improve. Tobias’s evasiveness about his fear landscape and his uncharacteristically messy hair make him seem more vulnerable, contrasting his usual stoic demeanor. The chapter’s tone shifts to urgency as they sprint to board the moving train, with Tris narrowly avoiding injury as she scrambles inside.
The chapter closes with Tobias tending to Tris’s scraped knee, their physical closeness sparking her desire to kiss him. The moment underscores their complicated relationship, blending tenderness with unresolved tension. The train’s dark, stealthy movement hints at the clandestine nature of their mission, leaving readers curious about the meeting ahead and the evolving dynamics between Tris and Tobias.
FAQs
1. How does Tris demonstrate survivor’s guilt in this chapter, and what specific events trigger these feelings?
Answer:
Tris experiences intense survivor’s guilt while sitting at her old Dauntless dining table, reflecting on the absence of Al and Will. She explicitly states, “I feel responsible for that,” blaming herself for Al’s death because she withheld forgiveness and for Will’s death because she couldn’t remain clearheaded during the simulation attack. These thoughts reveal her tendency to internalize blame for tragedies beyond her control. The empty seats at the table physically symbolize her losses, compounding her emotional turmoil. This scene underscores a recurring theme in the novel: Tris’s struggle to reconcile her actions (or inactions) with their consequences.2. Analyze the significance of Uriah and Marlene’s relationship development in this chapter. How does it contrast with other interpersonal dynamics at the table?
Answer:
Uriah and Marlene’s budding relationship serves as a counterpoint to the tension among other characters. Their playful interaction (e.g., shared cake, secret hand-holding) and defiant public kiss after Lynn’s taunt symbolize hope and normalcy amid chaos. This contrasts sharply with Tris and Christina’s strained silence, Lynn’s bitter outburst, and the general melancholy of the group. The author uses their relationship to highlight generational resilience—while older characters grapple with war and loss, the younger ones seek connection. Notably, their affection irritates Lynn, whose reaction (“make out and get it over with”) reflects her grief-fueled cynicism, further emphasizing the group’s fractured dynamics.3. What does Tobias’s request for Tris’s help in “reading the situation” reveal about their evolving dynamic and respective strengths?
Answer:
Tobias’s insistence that Tris accompany him to the factionless meeting (“You’re better at it than I am”) marks a pivotal shift in their relationship. He acknowledges her superior perceptiveness—demonstrated when she deduces he revisited his fear landscape from his cut knuckles and the discarded syringe. This moment subverts traditional gender roles, as Tobias (typically the protector) seeks Tris’s analytical skills. Their dialogue also hints at unresolved tension: Tris notices his evasion about his changed fears, suggesting emotional distance. The scene reinforces their complementary partnership: Tobias provides strategic direction (“catch the 8:05 train”), while Tris deciphers human behavior, a balance critical to their survival.4. How does the author use sensory details to create atmosphere during the train scene, and what mood does it establish for the impending meeting?
Answer:
The train sequence is steeped in ominous sensory cues: the “hidden, creeping” movement of the unlit train, the “blast” of its horn, and Tris’s “shriek” as she nearly falls under the wheels. These details create a mood of danger and secrecy, mirroring the clandestine nature of the factionless meeting. The summer air’s stillness (“no wind”) contrasts with the adrenaline of their sprint, heightening tension. The scrape on Tris’s knee—described with tactile precision—grounds the scene in physicality, reminding readers of the characters’ vulnerability. This atmosphere foreshadows high stakes for their mission, echoing earlier train scenes where pivotal revelations occurred (e.g., Erudite’s attack plans).5. Evaluate the chapter’s portrayal of grief through the lens of Lynn’s reaction to Uriah and Marlene. What broader commentary does this offer on coping mechanisms?
Answer:
Lynn’s hostile response to Uriah and Marlene (“make out and get it over with”) exemplifies grief manifesting as anger—a stark contrast to Tris’s guilt or Christina’s silent withdrawal. Her abrupt exit underscores how loss fractures relationships unevenly; while some seek solace in intimacy (Uriah/Marlene), others reject joy as a betrayal (Lynn). The scene critiques societal expectations to “move on,” as Lynn’s bitterness isolates her further. This aligns with the novel’s exploration of divergent (pun intended) responses to trauma. By juxtaposing Lynn’s rage with Tris’s quiet observation (“staring at her plate”), the chapter illustrates how grief permeates daily life, even during mundane moments like dinner.
Quotes
1. “How is it that only half of us are left? I feel responsible for that. My forgiveness could have saved Al, but I withheld it. My clearheadedness could have spared Will, but I could not summon it.”
This introspective moment captures Tris’s overwhelming guilt over the deaths of her friends, highlighting her tendency to blame herself for tragedies beyond her control. It sets the emotional tone for the chapter and reveals her ongoing struggle with grief and accountability.
2. “Lynn looks like she just tasted something sour. She shovels food into her mouth. […] ‘I’m going to hurl anyway, with you two making eyes at each other all the time.’”
This sharp exchange illustrates the tension between characters as romantic relationships develop, with Lynn’s irritation serving as comic relief while also revealing underlying group dynamics. The moment showcases Veronica Roth’s talent for blending humor with character development.
3. “‘Because you’re better at it than I am.’ […] ‘This is exactly what I mean. You’re far more perceptive than most.’”
Tobias’s acknowledgment of Tris’s superior perception marks a significant moment in their relationship, showing his respect for her abilities and hinting at their evolving dynamic post-conflict. This exchange also reinforces Tris’s key character strength that drives many plot developments.
4. “I hear the train horn blasting to my left, but the light fixed to the first car is not on. Instead it slides over the rails like some hidden, creeping thing.”
This atmospheric description creates suspense as Tris and Tobias embark on their mysterious mission, with the ominous train imagery foreshadowing the clandestine nature of their meeting with the factionless. Roth’s vivid prose enhances the chapter’s tension.