Roth, Veronica — Divergent 01 — Divergent
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
by Veronica, Roth,In this chapter, Tris and Tobias (Four) walk hand in hand toward the Pit, their physical connection sparking newfound understanding for Tris about the intimacy of such gestures. Their conversation shifts to Tobias’s fears, revealing he still faces the same four fears despite repeated simulations. Tris reassures him that caring about his life prevents true fearlessness, highlighting their emotional bond. The setting—a narrow path along the chasm—mirrors the precariousness of their growing relationship, as Tris wrestles with her curiosity about Tobias’s Divergence and his past.
Tris presses Tobias about his aptitude test results, eager to confirm if he shares her Divergent identity. He initially deflects but eventually admits to an Abnegation result, leaving Tris disappointed yet suspicious. His choice to join Dauntless out of necessity, particularly to escape his abusive father, adds depth to his character. Tobias’s ambivalence about belonging in Dauntless contrasts with Tris’s admiration for his bravery, as he theorizes that selflessness and courage are intertwined—a perspective that resonates with her Abnegation upbringing.
Their dialogue grows more personal as Tobias confesses he has been observing Tris closely, admitting his feelings for her. Tris, insecure about her age and appearance, struggles to accept his affection, but Tobias counters by praising her intelligence, bravery, and compassion. His vulnerability about his traumatic past with Marcus deepens their connection, as Tris avoids pitying him, instead seeing him as resilient. The tension between them culminates in a tender moment, with Tobias kissing her and dispelling her doubts about his sincerity.
The chapter closes with their first kiss, a pivotal moment marked by Tris’s initial hesitation and Tobias’s reassurance. The roaring chasm symbolizes the intensity of their emotions, as Tris finally lets go of her insecurities and reciprocates his affection. Their physical and emotional closeness underscores the chapter’s themes of trust, identity, and belonging, leaving their relationship on the brink of a new chapter. The scene captures the delicate balance between vulnerability and strength that defines both characters.
FAQs
1. What are the two main revelations Tobias shares about himself during this intimate conversation with Tris?
Answer:
Tobias reveals two significant aspects of his identity in this chapter. First, he discloses that his aptitude test result was Abnegation, not Dauntless (“My result was as expected…Abnegation”), though he chose Dauntless out of necessity to escape his abusive father. Second, he confesses his feelings for Tris (“I watched you because I like you”), asking her to call him by his real name Tobias rather than “Four.” These revelations show his complex relationship with both factions and his growing emotional vulnerability with Tris.2. How does Tobias explain the connection between selflessness (Abnegation) and bravery (Dauntless), and why does this realization trouble Tris?
Answer:
Tobias proposes that selflessness and bravery are closely linked (“I have a theory that selflessness and bravery aren’t all that different”), suggesting that Abnegation’s training to forget oneself creates an instinct for self-sacrifice that mirrors Dauntless bravery. This troubles Tris because she recognizes her own failed attempts at selflessness in Abnegation (“A lifetime of training wasn’t enough for me”). His insight challenges her perception of faction virtues as distinct and makes her question her own identity struggles between the two factions.3. Analyze the significance of the physical setting (the chasm rocks) during this pivotal conversation. How does the environment reflect the emotional dynamics?
Answer:
The precarious rock setting above the chasm’s rushing water serves as a powerful metaphor for their emotional vulnerability. Tobias is “comfortable here, inches above the hazardous water,” mirroring his comfort in revealing personal truths. The roaring water ensures privacy for their intimate confessions, while the unstable footing reflects the risks they’re taking emotionally—Tris questioning his Divergence, Tobias admitting his feelings. The wet footprints marking the rocks symbolize the indelible marks they’re leaving on each other’s lives through this conversation.4. Why does Tris initially doubt Tobias’s feelings for her, and how does he counter her insecurities?
Answer:
Tris expresses disbelief about Tobias’s attraction due to her age (“you’re older than I am”), self-perceived lack of beauty (“I’m not pretty”), and faction background. Tobias counters each point: he dismisses their age difference as insignificant (“that whopping two-year gap”), redefines attractiveness beyond conventional beauty (“You’re deadly smart. You’re brave”), and values her non-judgmental response to his abusive past. His physical affection (multiple kisses) and specific compliments about her intelligence and courage provide tangible proof against her insecurities.5. How does this chapter develop the theme of identity through the contrast between “Four” and “Tobias”?
Answer:
The chapter highlights identity through Tobias’s request to be called by his birth name (“It’s nice to hear my name again”), symbolizing his willingness to show Tris his authentic self beyond his Dauntless persona. As “Four,” he represents the fearless Dauntless instructor with only four fears, but as “Tobias,” he reveals his Abnegation roots, family trauma, and emotional needs. This duality mirrors Tris’s own identity struggles as Divergent, showing how intimate relationships require vulnerability that faction stereotypes cannot accommodate.
Quotes
1. “I never used to understand why people bothered to hold hands as they walked, but then he runs one of his fingertips down my palm, and I shiver and understand it completely.”
This quote captures Tris’s emotional awakening and the intimacy developing between her and Tobias. It marks a turning point where she begins to understand physical and emotional connection beyond her previous Dauntless-focused worldview.
2. “I have a theory that selflessness and bravery aren’t all that different. All your life you’ve been training to forget yourself, so when you’re in danger, it becomes your first instinct.”
Tobias reveals his insightful perspective on the connection between Abnegation and Dauntless values. This philosophical observation bridges the faction divide and helps explain his complex identity as someone who transcends simple faction categories.
3. “I watched you because I like you. And don’t call me ‘Four,’ okay? It’s nice to hear my name again.”
This vulnerable confession represents a major relationship milestone where Tobias drops his guarded “Four” persona. The moment is significant for both character development and the romantic arc, showing Tobias choosing intimacy over his usual detachment.
4. “You’re deadly smart. You’re brave. And even though you found out about Marcus… You aren’t giving me that look. Like I’m a kicked puppy or something.”
Tobias’s affirmation of Tris’s qualities reveals why their connection is unique - she sees him as strong rather than pitiable despite his traumatic past. This exchange highlights their mutual understanding and respect beyond physical attraction.