Roth, Veronica — Divergent 01 — Divergent
CHAPTER THREE
by Veronica, Roth,The chapter begins with Beatrice undergoing a simulation test to determine her faction aptitude in the dystopian society. Nervous and sweating, she anxiously awaits the results from Tori, the test administrator. When Tori returns, she reveals that Beatrice’s results are inconclusive, showing equal aptitude for Abnegation, Dauntless, and Erudite—a rare condition known as “Divergent.” Tori warns Beatrice to keep this information secret, emphasizing the danger of being Divergent, though Beatrice doesn’t fully understand why. The revelation leaves her shaken and uncertain about her future.
Beatrice reflects on the implications of her test results, fearing the possibility of becoming factionless, which would mean living in poverty and isolation. She recalls her mother’s words about the importance of community and purpose, reinforcing her dread of being cast out. Tori explains the unusual nature of Beatrice’s responses during the simulation, which defied the typical linear progression of eliminating factions. Her choices—such as refusing to tell the truth or take the knife—created a complex scenario that made her results difficult to interpret.
Tori’s urgent warning about the dangers of Divergence adds tension to the chapter. Beatrice agrees to secrecy but is left confused and overwhelmed. The weight of her impending Choosing Ceremony looms over her as she grapples with the responsibility of deciding her faction without clear guidance from the test. The chapter highlights the societal pressure to conform and the stakes of faction allegiance, as well as the mystery surrounding Divergence and why it must be hidden.
The chapter concludes with Beatrice leaving the testing center, choosing to walk home alone to avoid early detection by her parents. Her thoughts wander as she observes the decaying cityscape, a mix of old and new buildings, reflecting the slow progress of societal renovation. The physical journey mirrors her internal turmoil as she contemplates her three possible factions—Abnegation, Dauntless, and Erudite—and the unsettling label of Divergent. The chapter ends on a note of uncertainty, setting the stage for her pivotal decision in the Choosing Ceremony.
FAQs
1. What does it mean to be “Divergent” in Beatrice’s society, and why is it considered dangerous?
Answer:
Being Divergent means displaying equal aptitude for multiple factions—in Beatrice’s case, Abnegation, Dauntless, and Erudite—rather than aligning clearly with one. Tori explains that this is highly unusual, as the simulation typically eliminates factions progressively until only one remains. The danger lies in the societal implications: the faction system relies on strict categorization to maintain order. Divergence threatens this structure because it represents unpredictability and the potential to think beyond faction boundaries. Tori urgently warns Beatrice to never reveal her Divergence, hinting at severe consequences if discovered, though the exact nature of the threat remains unclear in this chapter.2. How does Beatrice’s reaction to the aptitude test reveal her internal conflict about identity and belonging?
Answer:
Beatrice’s anxiety during and after the test reflects her deep fear of being factionless, which she associates with purposelessness and isolation. Her mother’s words—”we can’t survive alone”—haunt her, emphasizing the societal importance of belonging. The inconclusive results force her to confront an identity crisis: she must now actively choose her faction rather than having one assigned. Her physical reactions (sweating, gripping the chair) and mental turmoil (“How can you fail a test you aren’t allowed to prepare for?”) reveal her struggle between societal expectations and self-discovery. The chapter ends with her walking alone, symbolizing her uncertain path forward.3. Analyze the significance of the test scenarios Beatrice describes. What do they reveal about faction values?
Answer:
The test scenarios mirror core faction ideologies:- Amity: Choosing cheese over a knife would reflect pacifism and harmony.
- Candor/Abnegation: Truth-telling is valued by both, but Beatrice’s refusal to lie to save a man contradicts Abnegation’s selflessness.
- Dauntless: Taking the knife or protecting the girl from the dog demonstrates bravery.
- Erudite: Her “intelligent response” to the dog highlights logic.
These scenarios expose the factions’ competing virtues—truth vs. selflessness, bravery vs. intellect—and how Beatrice’s mixed responses defy categorization. The test’s design reinforces how the society prioritizes singular traits over complexity.
4. Why might the author include details about the decaying city infrastructure (e.g., faded road lines, dangling stoplights)?
Answer:
The crumbling infrastructure symbolizes the fragility of the faction system itself. Just as the city’s old structures remain half-repaired, the society’s rigid divisions seem unsustainable. The Abnegation-led renovations near the marsh (a former lake) hint at both their altruism and the impermanence of human systems—nature reclaiming spaces mirrors how human nature (like Divergence) resists artificial constraints. These details create a backdrop of decline, suggesting that Beatrice’s internal struggle reflects broader societal tensions. The imagery also contrasts the factions’ idealized purity with the messy reality of their world.5. How does Tori’s behavior during Beatrice’s results reveal the political tensions surrounding Divergence?
Answer:
Tori’s tension—whispering “Divergent,” glancing over her shoulder, and kneeling to emphasize secrecy—implies that Divergence is not just rare but politically volatile. Her statement that Beatrice’s results “give us a problem” suggests institutional discomfort with ambiguity. The fact that she alters the simulation mid-test to accommodate Beatrice’s atypical responses hints at systemic rigidity. Tori’s fear implies that those in power actively suppress Divergence, possibly viewing it as a threat to control. This interaction plants seeds for later conflict, showing how the society polices identity to maintain factional boundaries.- Amity: Choosing cheese over a knife would reflect pacifism and harmony.
Quotes
1. “Without a faction, we have no purpose and no reason to live.”
This quote captures the core societal belief in Beatrice’s world, where faction membership defines identity and meaning. It highlights the high stakes of her upcoming Choosing Ceremony and the terror of being factionless.
2. “‘Beatrice, your results were inconclusive… People who get this kind of result are… called Divergent.’”
This pivotal moment reveals Beatrice’s unique psychological makeup that defies the faction system’s categorization. Tori’s whispered revelation introduces the central mystery of divergence that will drive the novel’s conflict.
3. “‘Divergence is extremely dangerous. You understand?’”
Tori’s urgent warning establishes the secretive, threatening nature of being Divergent within this society. This quote plants crucial foreshadowing about the systemic danger Beatrice now faces while introducing a major thematic element.
4. “It’s my choice now, no matter what the test says. Abnegation. Dauntless. Erudite. Divergent.”
This internal monologue marks Beatrice’s realization of her agency amidst the revelation. The staccato listing of factions followed by “Divergent” visually represents her fractured identity and the weight of her impending decision.