Roth, Veronica — Divergent 01 — Divergent
CHAPTER TWO
by Veronica, Roth,The chapter opens with Beatrice Prior and her brother Caleb awaiting their aptitude tests in the cafeteria, surrounded by members of their Abnegation faction and other factions like Dauntless, Erudite, Amity, and Candor. Each faction exhibits distinct behaviors, reflecting their societal norms—Abnegation sits quietly, Dauntless is boisterous, Erudite studies, and Amity plays games. Beatrice observes these differences, noting how faction customs suppress individual preferences. Caleb is called for his test first, leaving Beatrice anxious about her own upcoming evaluation, which will determine her future faction.
After Caleb returns from his test visibly shaken, Beatrice is called alongside Susan Black. Despite her fear, she follows protocol and proceeds to a mirrored testing room. The sterile environment and intimidating machinery heighten her tension. The Dauntless test administrator, Tori, stands out with her black blazer and a hawk tattoo, symbolizing her conquered fear of the dark. Beatrice’s curiosity about the tattoo momentarily overrides her Abnegation-trained restraint, revealing her inner conflict between conformity and individuality.
As Tori prepares Beatrice for the test, she attaches electrodes and hands her a vial of clear liquid to drink. Beatrice’s nervousness peaks, but she complies despite her unanswered questions about the test’s nature. The scene underscores the oppressive weight of faction rules and the lack of transparency in the testing process. Tori’s cryptic reassurance—“it doesn’t hurt”—does little to ease Beatrice’s dread, leaving her to face the unknown alone.
The chapter concludes with Beatrice drinking the vial’s contents, her eyes closing as the test begins. This moment marks a pivotal transition, symbolizing her leap into uncertainty and the looming choice that will define her identity. The tension between societal expectations and personal instincts lingers, setting the stage for her eventual divergence from the rigid faction system.
FAQs
1. What are the key differences between the factions as observed by Beatrice in the cafeteria scene?
Answer:
Beatrice observes distinct behavioral patterns for each faction in the cafeteria: Dauntless members are loud and playful (laughing, shouting, playing cards), Erudite are intellectually engaged (studying books and newspapers), Amity are joyful and communal (playing hand-slapping games and laughing), Candor are argumentative yet good-natured (gesturing widely while debating), while Abnegation sit quietly and wait passively. These observations highlight how faction customs dictate behavior, suppressing individual preferences. The passage emphasizes how faction identity overrides personal tendencies, as seen in Beatrice’s reflection that “Faction customs dictate even idle behavior and supersede individual preference.”2. Analyze the significance of Caleb’s reaction to his aptitude test results. What might this foreshadow?
Answer:
Caleb’s pale complexion, shaking hands, and nervous behavior after his test (“plaster-pale… fingers shake”) suggest he received unexpected or troubling results. This reaction is striking because Caleb has always been confident in his Abnegation identity (“He knows where he belongs”). His distress foreshadows potential divergence from his faction—a key theme in the novel. The scene also contrasts with Beatrice’s own anxiety, hinting that both siblings may face identity challenges. The strict rule forbidding discussion of results (“I am not allowed to ask him”) amplifies the tension, suggesting the test outcomes carry life-altering implications.3. How does Tori’s characterization through her tattoo and dialogue challenge Beatrice’s understanding of Dauntless values?
Answer:
Tori’s hawk tattoo (symbolizing conquered fear of darkness) and her willingness to share personal stories with Beatrice reveal a more philosophical, introspective side of Dauntless that contrasts with their typical reckless image. Her explanation that the tattoo “reminds me of the fear I’ve overcome” shows Dauntless values aren’t just about boldness but also personal growth. This surprises Beatrice, who notes Tori’s atypical appearance (“not as severe-looking”). Their conversation also highlights Beatrice’s internal conflict when Tori remarks, “Never met a curious Abnegation before,” exposing how Beatrice’s natural curiosity clashes with her faction’s self-effacing norms.4. What literary techniques does the author use to build tension in the testing scene?
Answer:
The author employs several techniques: 1) Physical descriptions of anxiety (“bubble in my chest,” “hands shaking”), 2) Foreboding imagery (“a place where terrible things happen”), 3) Contrast between Beatrice’s inner turmoil and outward calm (“people I pass probably can’t tell us apart”), 4) Suspenseful pacing through procedural details (electrode placement, the mysterious vial), and 5) Symbolism (mirrors suggesting self-reflection/identity crisis). The clinical setting (“dentist’s chair,” wires) creates unease, while Tori’s vague assurances (“it doesn’t hurt”) ironically heighten tension. Beatrice’s interrupted thoughts at the chapter’s end (“My eyes close”) leave the outcome ominously unresolved.5. How does the chapter establish the conflict between societal expectations and individual identity?
Answer:
The conflict manifests through: 1) Beatrice’s self-censorship (suppressing questions despite curiosity), 2) Caleb’s uncharacteristic distress after conforming perfectly to Abnegation norms, 3) The factions’ rigid behavioral codes (“can’t defy the norms”), and 4) Beatrice’s observation that members likely don’t all naturally fit their faction’s mold (“I doubt all the Erudite want to study all the time”). The testing situation epitomizes this conflict—the results may reveal innate tendencies contradicting faction upbringing. Beatrice’s narration (“It should be that easy for me”) shows her struggling to reconcile societal expectations with her authentic self, setting up the central Divergent theme.
Quotes
1. “Faction customs dictate even idle behavior and supersede individual preference. I doubt all the Erudite want to study all the time, or that every Candor enjoys a lively debate, but they can’t defy the norms of their factions any more than I can.”
This quote highlights the rigid social structure of the factions and the suppression of individuality. It reveals the protagonist’s awareness of how faction norms control behavior, setting up a key tension in the story between societal expectations and personal identity.
2. “Just do what you’re supposed to,” he always says. It is that easy for him. It should be that easy for me.”
This internal monologue captures Beatrice’s struggle to conform to Abnegation values that don’t come naturally to her. The contrast between her brother’s effortless compliance and her own difficulty foreshadows her coming identity crisis during the aptitude test.
3. “In some parts of the ancient world, the hawk symbolized the sun. Back when I got this, I figured if I always had the sun on me, I wouldn’t be afraid of the dark… Now it reminds me of the fear I’ve overcome.”
Tori’s explanation of her tattoo provides insight into Dauntless philosophy about facing and conquering fears. This symbolic exchange becomes particularly meaningful later when Beatrice must confront her own fears during initiation.
4. “Never met a curious Abnegation before,” she says, raising her eyebrows at me. I shiver, and goose bumps appear on my arms. My curiosity is a mistake, a betrayal of Abnegation values.”
This moment reveals Beatrice’s natural curiosity that conflicts with Abnegation ideals of selflessness and humility. The interaction with Tori serves as an early indicator that Beatrice may not truly belong in her birth faction.