Roth, Veronica — Divergent 01 — Divergent
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
by Veronica, Roth,The chapter opens with Tris and the other Dauntless initiates waiting nervously in a dark hallway, unsure of what to expect in the second stage of their initiation. The tension is palpable as the Dauntless-born and transfer initiates are now training together, with Four overseeing the process. A competitive exchange between Lynn and Peter highlights the underlying rivalry between the two groups, with Lynn asserting the Dauntless-born’s superiority due to their lifelong preparation. The scene sets the stage for the psychological and emotional challenges ahead, emphasizing the initiates’ anxiety and the high stakes of the initiation process.
As the initiates are called one by one into the mysterious room, Tris observes the dwindling group and the mounting tension. The wait is agonizing, with each minute heightening her apprehension. When Four finally calls her name, she enters the room to find a setup reminiscent of her aptitude test, complete with a reclining chair and a machine. The realization that she will face another simulation fills her with visceral fear, despite her logical understanding that it poses no real threat. Four’s cryptic remarks about avoiding the Abnegation faction add to the mystery surrounding his character, leaving Tris—and the reader—curious about his past.
Four explains that the simulation is designed to help Tris confront and control her fears, using an advanced serum that induces hallucinations by stimulating the brain’s fear-processing center. The technical details of the serum and its effects are overwhelming, but Tris tries to focus on Four’s instructions. Despite her fear, she steels herself for the experience, drawing on her inner strength. Four’s final words of encouragement, “Be brave, Tris,” underscore the emotional and psychological weight of the initiation, as well as the growing connection between the two characters.
The chapter concludes with Tris entering the simulation, finding herself in a surreal, unsettling landscape. The eerie atmosphere, filled with smoke and a bile-colored sky, immediately triggers her anxiety. The abrupt shift from the sterile room to this nightmarish environment highlights the simulation’s power to manipulate perception and emotion. As the chapter ends, Tris is left to face her fears alone, marking a pivotal moment in her initiation journey and setting the stage for the challenges to come in subsequent chapters.
FAQs
1. What is the purpose of the second stage of Dauntless initiation described in this chapter, and how does it differ from the first stage?
Answer:
The second stage of initiation focuses on emotional control through fear simulations, contrasting with the first stage’s emphasis on physical skills. Four explains that this phase teaches initiates to “control your emotions in the midst of a frightening situation” using an advanced serum that stimulates the amygdala and induces hallucinations. Unlike stage one where Dauntless-born and transfer initiates were separated, this stage combines both groups, emphasizing that “no one can prepare for stage two” as it tests psychological resilience rather than pre-trained abilities (as Uriah notes). The simulation’s success is measured by the initiate’s ability to lower their heart rate and control breathing.2. Analyze how the power dynamics between Dauntless-born and transfer initiates are revealed in this chapter.
Answer:
The chapter highlights tension between the groups through competitive dialogue. Lynn’s challenge (“Bet I could take you, transfer”) and Uriah’s top ranking demonstrate Dauntless-born initiates’ confidence from lifelong preparation. Wil voices the transfers’ disadvantage: “you’ve spent your entire life getting ready for this, and we’re expected to learn it all in a few weeks.” This creates psychological warfare, with the Dauntless-born using intimidation tactics (Lynn’s casual boasting) while transfers like Peter assert their capability (“I wouldn’t be so sure about that”). The merging of groups for stage two escalates these tensions, as seen in Drew’s attempted tripping of Tris.3. How does the fear simulation technology work, and why might this method be particularly effective for Dauntless training?
Answer:
The simulation uses an orange-tinted serum containing a neurotransmitter that stimulates the amygdala (the brain’s fear center) and induces hallucinations. Unlike the aptitude test’s wired electrodes, this advanced version transmits data wirelessly to a monitoring computer. Four explains it forces initiates to confront fears until they achieve physiological calm—lowered heart rate and controlled breathing. This method effectively trains Dauntless members to maintain composure in crises, aligning with the faction’s valor ethos. The chapter emphasizes its visceral impact through Tris’s physical reactions (sweaty palms, racing heart) and the ominous setting (bile-colored sky, smoke smell), demonstrating how it replicates real fear responses.4. What significant character development does Tris demonstrate during her preparation for the fear simulation?
Answer:
Tris shows growing adaptability to Dauntless culture while retaining her analytical nature. She notes how she’s starting to expect aggressive challenges like Lynn’s (“among the Dauntless, challenges like that seem common”), contrasting with her Abnegation-raised instinct to view them as rude. However, she still relies on logic (“simulations aren’t real; they pose no real threat”) to combat fear. Her quiet endurance during the tense waiting period—counting minutes while others fidget—demonstrates developing resilience. Most notably, she overcomes initial recoil to voluntarily sit in the simulation chair, showcasing the courage she’s cultivating despite visceral fear.5. Why might Four’s comment about avoiding “Stiffs” (Abnegation) be significant, considering his interactions with Tris?
Answer:
Four’s remark (“I avoid Stiffs as much as possible”) carries layered meaning given his mentorship of Tris, a former Abnegation. His refusal to explain suggests personal history with the faction, possibly hinting at his own background (later revealed in the series). The contradiction between his words and actions—administering her simulation with uncharacteristic gentleness (“Be brave, Tris”)—implies conflict about his prejudices. This moment builds mystery around his character while subtly showing his growing regard for Tris despite her origins. The tension between his professional detachment and tender whisper foreshadows their developing relationship.
Quotes
1. “‘So,’ says Lynn, scuffing the floor with her shoe. ‘Which one of you is ranked first, huh?’…‘Bet I could take you.’ She says it casually…‘I’m second, but I bet any of us could take you, transfer.’”
This exchange highlights the competitive tension between Dauntless-born initiates and transfers, showcasing the Dauntless culture of challenges and proving oneself. It sets up the power dynamics that will play out through the initiation process.
2. “‘Stage one was about skill, sure, but no one can prepare for stage two,’ he says. ‘At least, so I’m told.’”
Uriah’s ominous statement foreshadows the psychological challenges of stage two initiation, creating suspense about what the initiates will face. This quote marks a turning point where physical skills become less important than mental fortitude.
3. “‘We’re taking that literally. The simulation will teach you to control your emotions in the midst of a frightening situation.’”
Four explains the purpose of the fear-facing simulation, which represents a core Dauntless philosophy and a key theme of the novel - mastering fear rather than being fearless. This concept is central to Tris’s character development.
4. “‘The serum will go into effect in sixty seconds…The brain’s electrical activity is then transmitted to our computer, which then translates your hallucination into a simulated image that I can see and monitor.’”
This technical explanation reveals the advanced (and invasive) nature of Dauntless simulation technology, creating both scientific intrigue and unease about the faction’s methods. It demonstrates how the society uses science to test and control human emotions.
5. “‘Be brave, Tris,’ he whispers. ‘The first time is always the hardest.’”
Four’s final words to Tris before the simulation begin show their developing connection and encapsulate the chapter’s theme of confronting fears. This tender moment contrasts with the harsh initiation process, hinting at their future relationship.