Roth, Veronica — Divergent 01 — Divergent
CHAPTER SIX
by Veronica, Roth,The chapter begins with Beatrice, the protagonist, leaving her former faction, Abnegation, to join Dauntless. As she exits the choosing ceremony, she experiences a mix of emotions—her father’s accusatory glare contrasts sharply with her mother’s smile, leaving her conflicted. She observes her brother, Caleb, seamlessly integrating with the Erudite faction, which fills her with betrayal and confusion. The Dauntless initiates then lead the group in a chaotic sprint down the stairs, a stark departure from the orderly life she once knew, symbolizing the wild and unrestrained nature of her new faction.
The group races through the city streets, eventually reaching a moving train they must board mid-motion. Beatrice struggles to pull herself onto the train but is helped by a Candor transfer named Christina. The scene is tense as another initiate, an Erudite boy, fails to board and is left behind, highlighting the brutal reality of failing initiation. This moment underscores the high stakes of Beatrice’s decision and the unforgiving nature of Dauntless culture. The train ride becomes a physical and emotional journey, with Beatrice reflecting on her fractured family ties and the uncertainty of her future.
As the train speeds through the city, Beatrice and Christina bond over their shared uncertainty about Dauntless headquarters. The wind and chaos of the ride force them to sit low to avoid falling, a metaphor for the instability of their new lives. Beatrice’s thoughts drift back to her family, imagining their silent dinner table and the void left by her and Caleb’s departures. She grapples with guilt and self-doubt, questioning whether her choice was selfish or brave, and whether her brother’s apparent ease in leaving was genuine or deceptive.
The chapter ends with the Dauntless initiates preparing to jump off the moving train, another daunting challenge that tests their courage. Beatrice, exhausted and emotionally drained, observes the others with a mix of apprehension and determination. The physical demands of the journey mirror her internal struggle to adapt to her new identity. The chapter captures her transition from the structured, selfless world of Abnegation to the unpredictable, adrenaline-fueled life of Dauntless, setting the stage for the trials and transformations that lie ahead.
FAQs
1. How does Beatrice’s experience leaving Abnegation differ from Caleb’s, and what does this reveal about their characters?
Answer:
Beatrice’s departure from Abnegation is emotionally fraught, marked by her father’s accusatory gaze and her own near-tears reaction, while Caleb appears calm and even betrays her by easily integrating with the Erudite. This contrast highlights their fundamental differences: Beatrice struggles with guilt and emotional authenticity, whereas Caleb is adept at concealing his true intentions. Her inability to pretend (“at least I was no good at pretending”) underscores her honesty, while his “easy smile” suggests a calculated nature. Their reactions also reflect their factions’ values—Beatrice’s raw emotion contrasts with Caleb’s Erudite-like composure.2. Analyze the significance of the Dauntless running down the stairs and jumping onto the train. How does this contrast with Abnegation behavior?
Answer:
The Dauntless’s wild sprint down the stairs and daring train jump symbolizes their faction’s embrace of risk, freedom, and physicality—a stark contrast to Abnegation’s restrained, utilitarian use of stairs. While Abnegation avoids unnecessary actions (like running for pleasure), the Dauntless revel in them (“fierce pleasure of a flat-out sprint”). This scene also serves as Beatrice’s first true immersion in Dauntless culture, where impulsive acts replace self-denial. The train jump, particularly the failed attempt by the Erudite boy, further emphasizes the Dauntless’s Darwinian ethos: only the bold succeed.3. What does Beatrice’s interaction with Christina reveal about her transition to Dauntless and her lingering Abnegation traits?
Answer:
Beatrice’s awkward handshake with Christina—uncertain about pressure and timing—exposes her ingrained Abnegation habits (where greetings were bows, not handshakes). Yet her quick thinking to sit on the train (avoiding the wind) shows adaptability. Christina’s candor (“They just popped out of a hole”) and ease with physical contact represent Dauntless openness, which Beatrice must learn. Their interaction marks Beatrice’s first step toward forming new relationships outside Abnegation, but her hesitation (“I nod” instead of elaborating) hints at residual self-effacement. The scene captures her in-between state: neither fully Abnegation nor yet Dauntless.4. Why does the failed train jump by the Erudite boy unsettle Beatrice, and what broader theme does this moment highlight?
Answer:
The boy’s failure (and immediate factionless fate) terrifies Beatrice because it underscores the high stakes of initiation: one misstep means lifelong exclusion. This moment crystallizes the brutal reality of faction transfers—unlike her stable Abnegation life, Dauntless offers no safety nets. It also reflects the novel’s theme of consequential choices; the boy’s hesitation (a very Erudite trait) costs him everything. For Beatrice, his failure is a visceral warning: she must shed her old identity completely to survive. The scene reinforces the Dauntless motto: boldness is mandatory, and weakness is punished.5. How does the chapter use physical movement (running, jumping, clinging) to symbolize Beatrice’s internal transformation?
Answer:
The relentless physicality—running down stairs, sprinting to the train, clinging to the handle—mirrors Beatrice’s abrupt break from Abnegation’s static world. Each action forces her body (and thus her mind) into Dauntless modes: urgency replaces deliberation, grip strength replaces passive restraint. The wind threatening to blow her off the train parallels the instability of her new life. Even her exhausted curl against the wall reflects emotional overwhelm. These movements chart her progression: from stiff Abnegation posture to Dauntless adaptability, though her lingering glance back at the fading gray houses shows the transformation is incomplete.
Quotes
1. “My father’s eyes burn into mine with a look of accusation. At first, when I feel the heat behind my eyes, I think he’s found a way to set me on fire, to punish me for what I’ve done, but no—I’m about to cry. Beside him, my mother is smiling.”
This quote captures the emotional complexity of Beatrice’s faction choice, juxtaposing her father’s disapproval with her mother’s unexpected support. It highlights the tension between familial expectations and personal identity.
2. “I have not run anywhere in a long time. Abnegation discourages anything done strictly for my own enjoyment, and that is what this is: my lungs burning, my muscles aching, the fierce pleasure of a flat-out sprint.”
This moment represents Beatrice’s first taste of Dauntless freedom and physical exhilaration, contrasting sharply with the restrained lifestyle of Abnegation. It marks a pivotal transition in her self-discovery.
3. “It is good that I spent so much time watching the Dauntless arrive at school. The crowd spreads out in a long line. The train glides toward us on steel rails, its light flashing, its horn blaring.”
This quote shows Beatrice’s preparation paying off as she begins her Dauntless initiation, emphasizing how her past observations give her an advantage in this new, dangerous world.
4. “The thought makes me sick to my stomach, because even though I left them too, at least I was no good at pretending. At least they all knew that I wasn’t selfless.”
This introspective moment reveals Beatrice’s conflicted feelings about her brother’s deception versus her own honesty, exploring themes of authenticity and self-awareness in their faction choices.
5. “Is it a lingering hint of selflessness that makes my throat tighten at the thought of them, or is it selfishness, because I know I will never be their daughter again?”
This powerful question encapsulates Beatrice’s central internal conflict, questioning whether her emotions stem from her old Abnegation values or new personal concerns, marking her psychological transition between factions.