Roth, Veronica — Divergent 01 — Divergent
CHAPTER TWELVE
by Veronica, Roth,The chapter opens with Tris recovering from her fight with Peter, her bruises still painful as she adjusts to the physical demands of Dauntless initiation. Despite her injuries, she is forced to fight again, this time against Myra, an opponent she easily defeats. However, Tris feels no satisfaction in beating someone so weak, highlighting her internal conflict about violence and strength. The scene shifts abruptly when Eric and a group of Dauntless burst into the dormitory, ordering the initiates to prepare for an unexpected field trip, injecting urgency and mystery into the narrative.
The initiates rush to the train tracks, where they discover paintball guns and ammunition, signaling a new challenge. Tris, though unfamiliar with paintballs, quickly arms herself, demonstrating her adaptability. The group boards the train, and Four explains the rules of a capture-the-flag game, emphasizing its importance as a Dauntless tradition. The initiates are divided into two teams, with Four and Eric as captains. Tris expects to be chosen last due to her perceived weakness, but Four surprises everyone by selecting her first, sparking mixed reactions among the group.
Four’s unconventional team selections—prioritizing speed and agility over brute strength—hint at a strategic approach to the game. Tris, initially offended by being labeled weak, begins to analyze Four’s choices and realizes his team is composed of lighter, faster initiates. This revelation shifts her perspective, as she understands the potential advantage of their agility over Eric’s stronger but slower team. The dynamic between Tris and Four deepens, with his actions suggesting a hidden faith in her abilities, even as others mock her.
The chapter ends with Tris determined to prove herself, fueled by Four’s cryptic strategy and her own desire to defy expectations. The setup for the capture-the-flag game creates tension, as the initiates brace for a high-stakes competition that will test their physical and mental resilience. Tris’s internal monologue reflects her growing confidence and strategic thinking, setting the stage for a pivotal moment in her Dauntless initiation journey.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Four choosing Tris first for his team during the capture the flag selection?
Answer:
Four’s selection of Tris first appears contradictory at first glance—he calls her “Stiff” (a derogatory term for Abnegation transfers) and the group laughs, implying they see her as weak. However, Four’s strategy becomes clearer as he continues picking team members with similar physiques: narrow shoulders and small frames. This suggests he values speed over brute strength, having previously noted Tris’s quickness. His choice demonstrates a tactical approach to the game that contrasts with Eric’s preference for physically strong members. Tris initially interprets this as an insult but later realizes it’s part of a calculated strategy (Chapter 12).2. How does Tris’s reaction to her fight with Myra reveal her moral conflict in Dauntless?
Answer:
After easily defeating Myra—who is portrayed as physically inept—Tris feels no triumph, only discomfort. This highlights her lingering Abnegation values, which clash with Dauntless’s glorification of dominance. While she adapts to Dauntless practices (e.g., enduring pain, fighting aggressively), her guilt over overpowering someone defenseless shows her unease with unchecked brutality. The moment underscores her internal struggle: embracing Dauntless traits while resisting complete moral detachment (Chapter 12).3. Analyze the power dynamics between Eric and Four during the team selection process.
Answer:
Eric and Four’s exchange reveals a tense rivalry. Eric mocks Four’s strategy (“picking the weak ones”), while Four responds with cryptic confidence (“Something like that”). Their dialogue reflects broader tensions: Eric represents Dauntless’s ruthless, strength-obsessed leadership, whereas Four’s tactical choices (prioritizing speed) challenge conventional norms. Four’s refusal to explain himself asserts his independence, while Eric’s need to vocalize his skepticism exposes his reliance on overt dominance. This dynamic foreshadows future conflicts between their philosophies (Chapter 12).4. Why might the author have chosen paintball as the activity for this initiation exercise?
Answer:
Paintball serves as a symbolic middle ground between violence and play. Unlike bare-knuckle fights, it simulates combat without severe physical harm, aligning with Dauntless’s emphasis on resilience while mitigating outright brutality. For Tris, it’s a chance to prove herself without enduring further injury (her bruises are still healing). The game also tests strategy and teamwork—skills critical for Dauntless members—while maintaining the faction’s culture of competition. The choice reflects the initiates’ transitional state: they’re being groomed for danger but aren’t yet fully hardened (Chapter 12).5. How does Tris’s observation of Christina’s confidence (“I wish I could stare so boldly”) develop her character arc?
Answer:
Tris admires Christina’s unselfconsciousness when confronted by Eric in minimal clothing, contrasting with her own instinct to cover up. This moment underscores Tris’s ongoing journey toward self-assurance. While she adopts Dauntless behaviors outwardly (e.g., aggression), she still grapples with internalized Abnegation modesty. Her envy of Christina’s boldness reveals a desire to fully inhabit her new identity, hinting at future growth in confidence and autonomy (Chapter 12).
Quotes
1. “I should feel triumphant, but there is no triumph in punching a girl like Myra.”
This quote reveals Tris’s moral conflict and self-awareness, showing her discomfort with dominating someone clearly weaker. It contrasts with Dauntless values of strength and establishes her nuanced perspective on competition.
2. “Four checks his watch. ‘Any minute now. How long is it going to take you to memorize the train schedule?’ / ‘Why should I, when I have you to remind me of it?’”
This exchange showcases the dynamic between Four and Eric, blending professional tension with subtle humor. It highlights their contrasting leadership styles while humanizing both characters through banter.
3. “‘I want the Stiff.’ / ‘Got something to prove? Or are you just picking the weak ones so that if you lose, you’ll have someone to blame it on?’ / Four shrugs. ‘Something like that.’”
A pivotal moment where Four publicly selects Tris first, sparking both her indignation and curiosity. The exchange reveals Eric’s antagonism, Four’s strategic ambiguity, and Tris’s internal conflict about her perceived weaknesses.
4. “If Four isn’t trying to prove something by choosing the weak, what is he doing? I look at each person he chooses. What do we have in common?”
This introspective passage demonstrates Tris’s analytical nature as she deciphers Four’s strategy. It marks a turning point where she shifts from self-doubt to strategic thinking, foreshadowing her growth as a Dauntless member.
5. “With the exception of Will and a couple of the others, we all share the same body type: narrow shoulders, small frames. All the people on Eric’s team are broad and strong. Just yesterday, Four told me I was fast.”
The revelation of Four’s actual strategy - selecting for speed over brute strength - shows his unconventional thinking. This insight challenges Dauntless norms and sets up the chapter’s climax where Tris must leverage her unique abilities.