Roth, Veronica — Divergent 01 — Divergent
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
by Veronica, Roth,The chapter opens with Tris in a state of emotional and physical exhaustion after completing her final evaluation, a harrowing simulation of her deepest fears. Despite her relief at finishing the test, she remains haunted by the memory of a gun pressed to her head. The arrival of Eric, Tobias, and other Dauntless leaders marks her official completion of the evaluation, but the celebration is short-lived as Eric reveals she must receive a tracking device injection—a new requirement developed by the Erudite faction. Tris reluctantly agrees, though she distrusts the Erudite and fears the implications of the procedure.
After the injection, Tris reunites with Tobias, who congratulates her on overcoming only seven fears in her simulation—a rare achievement. Their conversation shifts to the upcoming banquet where the initiates’ rankings will be announced, and Tobias hints that Tris might rank first. As they navigate the Pit, Tris observes how at home she now feels among the Dauntless, despite their unconventional appearance. However, her unease lingers as she questions how much Tobias knows about her fear landscape, hinting at unresolved tension between them.
The dynamic between Tris and Tobias grows increasingly strained as they retreat to his room for privacy. What begins as a moment of intimacy quickly turns sour when Tris flinches at his touch, overwhelmed by conflicting emotions of desire and fear. Tobias’s frustration mounts as Tris accuses him of ulterior motives, suggesting he might be using her for physical gratification. His harsh retort—that she wouldn’t be his first choice for such a relationship—leaves Tris feeling wounded and insecure.
The chapter culminates in a heated confrontation, with Tris attempting to leave and Tobias physically restraining her. Their argument lays bare the underlying trust issues and miscommunication plaguing their relationship. Tris’s vulnerability clashes with Tobias’s anger, leaving both characters emotionally raw. The chapter ends on a tense note, foreshadowing further conflict and underscoring the complexities of their connection amidst the larger pressures of Dauntless life.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Tris’s reaction after completing her final evaluation, and how does it contrast with Tobias’s approach to facing fears?
Answer:
Tris experiences overwhelming relief after completing her fear landscape, describing it as a moment where “every muscle in my body relaxes at once.” This contrasts sharply with Tobias’s routine practice of voluntarily facing his fears, which Tris initially viewed as bravery but now sees as masochistic. This shift in perspective highlights Tris’s emotional exhaustion from the simulation and her more pragmatic approach to confronting fears—she sees it as a necessary trial rather than something to seek out repeatedly. The chapter emphasizes how personal tolerance for fear varies, even among Dauntless members.2. Analyze the implications of the tracking device injection mandated by Erudite. Why does Tris feel conflicted about it?
Answer:
The tracking device, developed by Erudite and administered via syringe, represents growing faction control and surveillance. Tris feels immediate distrust due to Erudite’s involvement (particularly Jeanine’s potential role) and the lack of voluntary consent—she complies only to avoid arousing suspicion about her loyalty. This moment underscores the creeping authoritarianism in their society and Tris’s precarious position as someone hiding her Divergence. Her internal conflict (“I can’t let him inject me with anything… but I also can’t refuse”) mirrors broader tensions between security and autonomy in the faction system.3. How does the interaction between Tris and Tobias reveal their evolving relationship dynamics and personal insecurities?
Answer:
Their argument exposes deep-seated vulnerabilities: Tris questions Tobias’s motives due to her insecurity about being “not the first, not the prettiest,” while Tobias reacts with hurt anger at her distrust. The scene escalates from physical intimacy (Tris flinching at his touch) to emotional confrontation, revealing how their trauma and faction roles complicate their connection. Tris’s fear of being used contrasts with Tobias’s genuine affection (“You’re an idiot, Tris”), highlighting their communication breakdown. The chapter portrays love in this dystopian world as fraught with external pressures and internal doubts.4. What does the public reaction to Tris’s completion of initiation reveal about Dauntless culture and her place within it?
Answer:
The cheers and shoulder claps from Dauntless members signify Tris’s hard-won acceptance into the faction. The narration notes how their piercings and tattoos—once shocking to her Abnegation upbringing—now seem normal, symbolizing her cultural assimilation. However, the leaders’ secrecy about her simulation details (“They seemed impressed” but only watched screens) hints at ongoing power hierarchies. This moment balances triumph with subtle unease, as Tris’s success is celebrated publicly while the faction’s darker mechanisms (tracking devices, controlled evaluations) operate in the background.
Quotes
1. “I have never felt relief like this before. Every muscle in my body relaxes at once and I breathe freely again. I can’t imagine going through my fear landscape in my spare time, like Tobias does. It seemed like bravery to me before, but now it seems more like masochism.”
This quote captures Tris’s visceral reaction to completing her final evaluation, contrasting her momentary relief with Tobias’s habitual confrontation of fears. It reveals her shifting perspective on bravery and self-inflicted suffering.
2. “I can’t let him inject me with anything, especially not anything developed by Erudite—maybe even by Jeanine. But I also can’t refuse. I can’t refuse or he will doubt my loyalty again.”
This internal conflict highlights Tris’s growing distrust of the faction leadership and the Erudite’s influence, while showing the constant pressure to conform. The tracking device becomes a symbol of the loss of personal freedom.
3. “As I look at the people around me, I realize how strange they would look to my father and brother, and how normal they seem to me, despite all the metal rings in their faces and the tattoos on their arms and throats and chests.”
This moment showcases Tris’s completed transition into Dauntless culture, where she now finds belonging. The contrast between her past and present perspectives emphasizes her personal transformation.
4. “You know, if that was all I wanted, you probably wouldn’t be the first person I would go to.”
This harsh statement from Tobias during their argument reveals both his frustration and Tris’s deep insecurities. It marks a turning point in their relationship where hidden tensions surface dramatically.
5. “I am not the crying type. Nor am I the yelling type. I blink a few times, lower my hands, and stare up at him.”
This self-description encapsulates Tris’s characteristic restraint even in emotional moments, showing her determination to maintain composure despite hurt. It reinforces her core personality traits amid relationship turmoil.