Divergent Discussion Questions

1. What traumatic experience does the protagonist, Tobias Eaton, face during the aptitude test administered by Tori?

Tobias emerges from his aptitude test bleeding from his lip, having bitten it during the test. This painful incident occurs as he undergoes a simulation designed to evaluate his personality and reveal which faction he is suited for. The test involves facing various fears, and it is suggested that the intensity of the simulation can lead to physical harm, indicating the high stakes and emotional turmoil associated with the tests.

2. What does Tobias's father, Marcus Eaton, expect from him regarding the result of the aptitude test and how does Tobias feel about it?

Marcus Eaton, a leader in the Abnegation faction, expects Tobias to achieve a result that aligns with Abnegation, which emphasizes selflessness and denial of personal desires. Throughout the chapter, Tobias feels immense pressure and resentment towards this expectation, as he harbors a desire to choose a faction other than Abnegation. He feels suffocated by his father's commanding control over his choices, leading to feelings of anger and rebellion.

3. Describe the moment Tobias is confronted by the factionless man in the abandoned building. What do they discuss, and how does this reflect Tobias's internal conflict?

When Tobias encounters the factionless man in the derelict building, the man questions his presence there. They discuss Tobias's upcoming Choosing Ceremony and his result from the aptitude test. The factionless man reveals knowledge about Tobias's mother, Evelyn Eaton, and her work with Abnegation, triggering painful memories for Tobias. This moment reflects his internal conflict and longing for freedom, as well as the anguish connected to his family's legacy. The conversation also highlights the stark contrast between Tobias's faction upbringing and the freedom he perceives among the factionless.

4. How does Tobias's perspective on factions and his place within society change throughout the chapter?

Tobias begins the chapter feeling trapped within the expectations of his Abnegation upbringing and his father's oppressive influence. As he undergoes the aptitude test and interacts with the factionless man, he begins to recognize his desires for independence and self-definition. By the end of the chapter, after witnessing the vibrancy and freedom of the Dauntless faction, his perspective shifts significantly. His decision to choose Dauntless symbolizes a rejection of Abnegation's constraints and a desperate acceptance of a more chaotic and liberating identity.

5. What does Tobias's choice at the Choosing Ceremony signify for his character development and the overarching themes of the narrative?

Tobias's choice to join Dauntless at the Choosing Ceremony represents a pivotal moment in his character development. It reflects his rejection of a life dictated by his father's expectations and the Abnegation faction's values. This choice signifies his quest for autonomy, identity, and self-discovery, embodying the central themes of choice, freedom, and the struggle against societal rigidity. By choosing a faction that embraces bravery and danger, Tobias begins to assert his individuality and move toward a more empowering and potentially dangerous future.

1. What are some of the physical challenges the protagonist faces in training, and how do they impact their psychology?

The protagonist, Tris, grapples with the physical challenges posed by the training and fighting that she undergoes as part of her initiation into Dauntless. Early in the chapter, she describes the pain from fights, with bruises and cuts covering her body. When fighting opponents like Mia and Sean, Tris initially struggles with the idea of inflicting harm, reflecting her background from the Abnegation faction, where selflessness prevails. The physical pain she experiences serves as a constant reminder of her limitations and the fierce competitiveness of her surroundings, contributing to a complex psychological state where she feels guilt but is also motivated by an underlying desire to prove herself.

2. How does the dynamic between Tris and Amar evolve in this chapter?

Amar begins as an informal mentor figure who observes Tris's struggle in the training room. He confronts her about her isolation from other initiates, suggesting that her dedication to training is leading her to miss opportunities for social connections. Although he acknowledges her effort and skill, he encourages her to engage more with others. By inviting her to join a game of 'Dare,' he attempts to lighten her burden and offers a sense of camaraderie that she is hesitant to accept. This interaction serves to show Amar as a more complex character who recognizes Tris's potential while also caring for her wellbeing.

3. What role does the game 'Dare' play in Tris's social integration within Dauntless?

The game 'Dare' acts as a crucial element for Tris’s social integration within the Dauntless faction. Initially resistant, she participates after Amar insists, and through this shared experience, she begins to interact with other initiates, encountering Zeke, Shauna, and Lauren. The game involves dares that test boundaries and build trust among the members, contrasting with Tris's previous faction's values. Tris's involvement in the game fosters connections, allowing her to share laughter and banter, breaking the icy isolation she had imposed on herself. The camaraderie that develops through this game is instrumental in her acceptance within the Dauntless community.

4. What does Tris's choice to get a tattoo signify about her character development?

Tris's decision to get a tattoo serves as a pivotal moment in her character development, symbolizing her acceptance of Dauntless values and her rejection of her Abnegation upbringing. Choosing to obtain an intricate mark on her body is a significant departure from her past, where self-discipline and renunciation of physical adornments were paramount. It also represents her internal struggle to reconcile her past identity with her present aspirations as a Dauntless initiate, indicating her desire to be seen as brave and worthy of belonging. The tattoo becomes not just an emblem of Dauntless but a personal scar, a reminder of her painful past and the journey she undertakes to forge a new identity.

5. How does Eric’s attitude toward Tris contribute to the tension in the chapter?

Eric embodies antagonism in the chapter, his sneering demeanor and insults toward Tris reveal the competitive and cutthroat nature of Dauntless initiation. His prediction that he will easily defeat Tris heightens her anxiety and emphasizes her physical shortcomings against a more experienced opponent. Eric's behavior exacerbates Tris's insecurities, as she navigates not only the physical challenges of the initiation but also the psychological warfare presented by fellow initiates. This tension creates a sense of urgency in Tris's training, as she feels the pressure of both excelling and defending her place among the Dauntless. The looming confrontation with Eric underscores the stakes of her initiative and foreshadows the conflict to come.

1. What is the significance of Tobias's living situation at the beginning of Chapter 3?

In Chapter 3, Tobias reflects on his small, bare apartment and how it contrasts with the bustling Dauntless community he has just joined. His choice to live alone rather than rooming with fellow initiates shows his desire for independence and perhaps a lingering connection to his Abnegation upbringing, which values selflessness and community. This setting highlights Tobias's internal conflict as he grapples with shedding his past while trying to embrace his new identity within Dauntless.

2. How does Max's visit to Tobias's apartment affect Tobias's sense of belonging in Dauntless?

Max's visit is pivotal as it marks a moment of recognition for Tobias within the Dauntless faction. Max surprises Tobias by offering him the opportunity to train as a leader rather than a typical job, which acknowledges Tobias's potential and sets him apart from other initiates. However, this offer also introduces a new layer of pressure and expectation, causing Tobias to question his loyalty and identity as he reflects on his past with Abnegation and his strained relationship with his father.

3. What does Tobias's interaction with Max reveal about the power dynamics within Dauntless?

Tobias's conversation with Max uncovers the underlying power struggles within Dauntless leadership. Max suggests that there is a need for 'new blood' in leadership roles, which implies a desire to modernize the faction but also indicates that established leaders like Max are looking for individuals they can control and mold. This dynamic becomes crucial as Tobias navigates his ambitions and the expectations placed on him, while also feeling the threat from individuals like Eric, who represent a much harsher interpretation of Dauntless ideals.

4. How does Tobias's reluctance to choose his new role reflect his internal conflict?

Tobias's hesitation to quickly accept the leadership training opportunity is rooted in his fear of losing choice and agency, which he clung to during his time with Abnegation. This moment reveals his struggle against the Dauntless philosophy that values brutality and shows that, despite his physical prowess, he is still deeply influenced by the selfless values of his upbringing. His internal conflict escalates as he grapples with the pressure to abandon his past while trying to fit into a faction that embodies everything he once sought to escape.

5. What themes are explored through Tobias's experiences in the chapter, and how do they set the stage for future conflicts?

The themes of identity, choice, and autonomy are prominent in this chapter as Tobias navigates the complexities of his new environment while combating the lingering influence of his Abnegation past. His interactions with Max, Eric, and his own feelings toward leadership expose the tension between conformity and individuality. These themes foreshadow upcoming conflicts as Tobias must ultimately confront the pressures of faction loyalty, his relationship with his father Marcus, and the danger of becoming a pawn in the Dauntless leadership's agenda.

1. What does Four reflect on during Visiting Day, and how does it impact his actions?

Four reflects on his own experiences with Visiting Day, feeling disconnected from his family and faction. He remembers the isolation he felt when he was an initiate, choosing to avoid the day completely by training instead. This year, however, he has important work to do in the control room, which he sees as a better use of his time. His past experiences of familial dysfunction make him determined to avoid emotional confrontations, guiding his decision to focus on his mission instead.

2. How does Four feel about Tris's mother, Natalie Prior, when they meet?

When Four meets Natalie, he feels a wave of anxiety. He worries that she might recognize him or know about his true identity, which could jeopardize his connection with Tris. Despite his apprehensions, the interaction is cordial, as he tries to assure her that Tris is doing well in her training. He’s uncomfortable because she represents a link to Tris's past that he wishes to hide from.

3. What does Four discover about Max and Jeanine's intentions regarding Abnegation?

Four uncovers plans on Max's computer indicating that there is a conspiracy involving Max and Jeanine Matthews to attack the Abnegation faction. This discovery is critical as it suggests a coordinated effort to eliminate or undermine the Abnegation, which adds to the sense of urgency for Four to protect Tris and the people from his past.

4. What is the nature of Four's internal conflict regarding his identity and faction loyalty?

Four struggles with his identity as a former Abnegation and current Dauntless member. He feels torn between his loyalty to Dauntless and the possibility of betrayal towards the Abnegation, where he has roots. His realization that he desires to protect Tris and her faction despite feeling like a traitor to his own only deepens his internal strife, showing a complex view of loyalty and personal morality.

5. What does Four ultimately decide to do after his interaction with Marcus?

After his strong interaction with Marcus, where he felt dismissed and disregarded, he decides to take further action to protect the Abnegation and, by extension, Tris. He resolves to warn the Abnegation about the impending attack even if it risks his standing within Dauntless. This choice signifies a moment of defiance against his father's authority and a commitment to act according to his values rather than his faction's expectations.

1. What significant event does the chapter revolve around and how does it affect Tris?

The chapter centers around the initiation process in the Dauntless faction, particularly the first jump into the net. Tris is the first initiate to jump, which is a significant act as it symbolizes her entry and commitment to Dauntless. This event marks a pivotal moment in her transition from Abnegation to Dauntless, highlighting her bravery and willingness to embrace a new identity. The jump represents both her fear and determination, as she leaves behind her old faction and its values.

2. How does Tobias (Four) perceive Tris during her first jump and what does he offer her?

Tobias, who observes Tris as she prepares to jump, is surprised and impressed by her courage as a transfer from Abnegation, a faction known for selflessness. He recalls his own experience jumping and feels a connection with Tris. When she lands in the net, he reaches out to help her, symbolizing his support and recognition of her bravery. He is struck by her appearance and determination, offering her a way to redefine herself by encouraging her to choose her name, which becomes 'Tris.' This moment establishes a bond between them, laying the groundwork for their evolving relationship.

3. What does the conversation between Tobias and Lauren reveal about the dynamics within Dauntless?

The dialogue between Tobias and Lauren highlights the competitive and somewhat harsh nature of the Dauntless initiation process. Lauren expresses surprise and excitement that Tris, an Abnegation transfer, was the first to jump, emphasizing the rarity of such an event. Their conversation also touches upon the expectations of loyalty and camaraderie within Dauntless, as well as the idea that recruitment is based on compatibility rather than just skill. This reflects the underlying tension and rivalry among initiates, as well as the importance of establishing identity and proving oneself in the faction.

4. How does Tobias handle a challenge from one of the Candor initiates, and what does this reveal about his character?

Tobias confronts a Candor initiate named Christina who interrupts him with a joke, indicating he is sensitive to being perceived as weak. He reacts with sharpness, asserting his authority by telling her to 'keep her mouth shut.' This reaction reveals Tobias's struggle with his identity and leadership style; he feels the need to maintain a stern demeanor to command respect as an instructor. His harshness stems from his desire to establish himself as someone not to be trifled with, contrasting with his internal tumult and the sensitivity towards Tris. It highlights his need to demonstrate strength and control in a new and potentially hostile environment.

5. What are some themes introduced in this chapter, particularly regarding identity and belonging?

Several key themes emerge in this chapter, including the search for identity and the struggle for belonging. Tris's jump signifies her desire to escape the constraints of her former Abnegation identity and adopt the values of Dauntless. Tobias reflects on the process of redefining oneself after leaving behind old affiliations, as both he and Tris navigate their identities in a new environment. The chapter also explores the idea of bravery, as characters confront their fears and assert themselves in the face of challenges. Additionally, the societal dynamics within factions, particularly the expectations and competition among initiates, emphasize the complexities of forming new relationships and finding one's place in the world.