Roth, Veronica — Divergent 01 — Divergent
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
by Veronica, Roth,The chapter begins with the protagonist attempting to connect with Tobias after the rankings are announced, but the crowd separates them. Exhausted from the fear landscape, she falls asleep, only to wake and discover the other initiates moving in a trance-like state. They dress silently and march in unison, their blank expressions indicating they are under some form of mind control. Realizing she is the only one awake, the protagonist mimics their movements to avoid detection, her heart racing as they pass Max, a Dauntless leader who doesn’t notice her alertness.
The initiates are led to a cavern filled with Dauntless members and tables of guns, revealing the faction has been turned into an obedient army. The protagonist, horrified at the thought of attacking Abnegation—her former faction—resolves to pretend compliance long enough to save her family. She arms herself and follows the sleepwalking initiates, her calm determination masking her inner turmoil. As they move through dark hallways and up stairs, she struggles to maintain the facade, terrified of being discovered but focused on her mission.
On the train platform, the protagonist spots Tobias in the crowd and maneuvers closer to him, desperate for his help. When they board the train, she fears he is also under control until he secretly holds her hand, confirming he is awake and Divergent like her. The silent connection between them is both comforting and frustrating, as she longs to communicate openly but must remain vigilant. The train’s movement and the crowded car heighten the tension, with the protagonist’s body aching from the prolonged stillness and her mind racing with uncertainty.
As the train screeches to a halt, the protagonist’s heart pounds with anticipation and fear. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, with the initiates poised to disembark and the protagonist’s resolve tested. Her silent bond with Tobias provides a glimmer of hope, but the impending confrontation with the Dauntless leaders and the unknown destination leave the reader eager for the next development. The protagonist’s internal struggle and the eerie atmosphere of mind control create a gripping narrative that underscores the stakes of her rebellion.
FAQs
1. What is the strange behavior Tris observes among the Dauntless initiates, and what does she deduce is causing it?
Answer:
Tris wakes to find all the initiates moving silently and mechanically—dressing, lining up, and marching in unison with blank expressions. She realizes they are sleepwalking, behaving like “brain-dead” individuals under some form of control. This connects to Eric’s earlier mention of injections given to all Dauntless members. Tris deduces the injections have turned the faction into obedient soldiers, likely as part of a larger plan to weaponize them (possibly against Abnegation). Her ability to remain conscious suggests her Divergence makes her immune to whatever mind-altering substance was administered.2. How does Tris attempt to blend in with the controlled Dauntless, and what risks does she face?
Answer:
To avoid detection, Tris mimics the sleepwalkers’ movements: matching their rhythm, picking up a gun and holster without hesitation, and staring vacantly. However, she struggles with subtle details (e.g., fumbling with the gun, stumbling in the dark). The tension escalates when she passes leaders like Max, fearing they’ll notice her alertness. Her internal monologue reveals the stakes—being caught could mean severe punishment or death. This highlights the psychological strain of her deception and the precision required to survive in a controlled environment.3. Analyze the significance of Tris and Tobias’s hand-holding scene. What does it reveal about their relationship and their roles in the conflict?
Answer:
When Tobias initially appears blank-faced, Tris fears she was wrong about him being Divergent. His secret hand squeeze confirms he’s awake, mirroring her resistance. This moment reinforces their deep connection—they communicate wordlessly under extreme danger, relying on trust. Tobias’s comforting thumb circle shows his protective instincts, while Tris’s frustration reflects her need for active collaboration. Their silent solidarity positions them as dual leaders in the coming rebellion, emphasizing that their bond is both emotional and strategic in opposing the Dauntless leaders’ manipulation.4. What critical decision does Tris make by the end of the chapter, and how does it reflect her character development?
Answer:
Tris resolves to pretend obedience long enough to reach Abnegation and save her family, even if it costs her life. This decision marks a shift from self-preservation to self-sacrifice, echoing her fear landscape’s revelation that she values family over survival. Her calm acceptance of potential death underscores her growth into a defiant, principled leader. Unlike earlier in the book, where she struggled with identity, she now embraces her Divergence as a tool to resist oppression, prioritizing moral duty over faction loyalty or personal safety.5. How does the chapter build suspense regarding the Dauntless leaders’ plans?
Answer:
Suspense mounts through eerie details: the sleepwalkers’ uniformity, the distribution of guns, and the silent march toward the train. The scale of control suggests a coordinated attack, hinted at by Tris’s realization that Dauntless are being turned into “perfect soldiers.” The unknown destination—and Tris’s speculation about targeting Abnegation—creates dread. Additionally, the leaders’ watchful presence (e.g., Max) implies a larger conspiracy. By limiting Tris’s perspective (she can’t see the crowd fully or the train’s path), the narrative immerses readers in her uncertainty, amplifying tension.
Quotes
1. “They are sleepwalkers.”
This moment marks the chilling realization that the Dauntless initiates have been brainwashed into mindless obedience. The quote captures the eerie, dystopian control exerted by the faction’s leaders and sets the stage for Tris’s urgent need to navigate this dangerous situation.
2. “Perfect soldiers.”
Tris’s bitter internal observation summarizes the horrifying purpose behind the mass brainwashing—to create an army of compliant killers. This quote underscores the central conflict of the chapter and the novel’s broader themes of control and rebellion.
3. “I would rather die. My fear landscape proved that.”
This powerful declaration reveals Tris’s unwavering commitment to protecting her family, even at the cost of her own life. It represents both her personal resolve and the chapter’s turning point as she decides to take action against the Dauntless plan.
4. “Tobias, holding my hand. My entire body is alive with energy.”
This intimate moment amidst the chaos shows the deep connection between Tris and Tobias, and their silent solidarity as the only Divergent individuals awake. The quote highlights how their relationship becomes a source of strength in dire circumstances.
5. “He moves his thumb in a slow circle over the back of my hand.”
This subtle gesture conveys Tobias’s attempt to comfort Tris without words, demonstrating their ability to communicate secretly under surveillance. It’s a poignant moment of human connection in a dehumanizing situation.