My overall rating of the book Divergent would be a 4/5 stars. I am a huge fan of dystopian fiction, but this book lacked some key parts of a dystopian novel. It was mentioned that this dystopian world seemed a little to comfortable to be dystopian, which looking back now, I completely agree.
I think that the aspect of a totalitarian government in this book was a bit contradictory and confusing. Since the government is made up of the Abnegation who are completely selfless, I don't see how they could allow the factions to continue. If the government itself was totalitarian, then the Abnegation would be forcing everybody to be selfless, which in turn would be selfish...catch my drift? Picking up what I'm laying down? Catching what I'm throwing? You rocking what I'm rolling? Okay, I'm done. :P
As for the people who think that the book focuses to much on the romance aspect of the novel, I can see where it would seem that way in parts, but I think that overall the message and theme were what stuck out the most. Themes like nature vs nurture, "faction" before blood, and many others that pertain to dystopian fiction.
I would recommend it to anybody who loves a good action book and can take the time to really analyze the hidden messages that are contained. Some of the things in this book really make you take a second look at your character, who you are, and who you want to be. In my opinion, that is one of the best yet hardest things to find in a novel.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Chapter Thirty-Nine
The shot doesn't come. Tobias doesn't know how, but he is snapped out of the simulation by her voice.
"I don't know. I just heard your voice." - Tobias
They go back to the computers and they see that Caleb, Peter, and Marcus are surrounded by Dauntless guards. Tobias races to stop the simulation and he clicks the screen one last time and the Dauntless guards freeze.
Realizing what is going on and not really knowing what they've done, they all start arguing and accusing each other of things because they don't really know what just happened.
Tobias also takes the simulation data so they can't start the simulation all over again. They leave as fast as possible, but my concern is what is Tobias going to do when he sees Marcus?
When they get to the outside of the Dauntless compound, Peter, Caleb and Marcus are okay. When Marcus sees Tobias, he hugs him like nothing bad has ever happened. Tobias winces and looks up as if he in pain.
That is my biggest pet peeve about people. How they can do something horrible and then pretend like it never happened. They say its for the sake of moving on and that you shouldn't hold a grudge, but I think you can only do that for so long. It also depends on what the person did. I would not be able to forgive Marcus for what he did, so I don't blame Tobias.
Tris pushes him away and says that the only reason she hasn't shot him is because Tobias should be the one who gets to do it. Tobias is grateful for her, but he doesn't kill Marcus.
They all agree that the safest place to go now is to the Amity compound because that is where any other survivors would've headed. She doesn't know the fate of Tori or Christina. She doesn't even know if she can ever face Christina again after what she did to Will. I know I wouldn't be able to.
Tobias ends up admitting that he loves Tris while on the Train to the Amity compound, so at least they had a happy ending. Not much is known about what they will do once they arrive to safety though, if going there is even safe anyway.
"Abnegation and Dauntless are both broken, their members scattered. We are like the factionless now. I don't know what life will be like, separated from a faction-it feels disengaged, like a leaf divided from the tree that gives it sustenance. We are creatures of loss; we have left everything behind. I have no home, no path, no certainty. I am no longer Tris the selfless, or Tris the brave. I suppose that now, I must become more than either." - Tris
Overall I loved this book, but I am not very enthused with the ending. I feel that it cut a lot short and sped through some really important events. I loved the themes that the book covers and I can't wait to see what happens to the storyline. Hopefully all of these unanswered questions will be addressed in the next installment, Insurgent.
"I don't know. I just heard your voice." - Tobias
They go back to the computers and they see that Caleb, Peter, and Marcus are surrounded by Dauntless guards. Tobias races to stop the simulation and he clicks the screen one last time and the Dauntless guards freeze.
Realizing what is going on and not really knowing what they've done, they all start arguing and accusing each other of things because they don't really know what just happened.
Tobias also takes the simulation data so they can't start the simulation all over again. They leave as fast as possible, but my concern is what is Tobias going to do when he sees Marcus?
When they get to the outside of the Dauntless compound, Peter, Caleb and Marcus are okay. When Marcus sees Tobias, he hugs him like nothing bad has ever happened. Tobias winces and looks up as if he in pain.
That is my biggest pet peeve about people. How they can do something horrible and then pretend like it never happened. They say its for the sake of moving on and that you shouldn't hold a grudge, but I think you can only do that for so long. It also depends on what the person did. I would not be able to forgive Marcus for what he did, so I don't blame Tobias.
Tris pushes him away and says that the only reason she hasn't shot him is because Tobias should be the one who gets to do it. Tobias is grateful for her, but he doesn't kill Marcus.
They all agree that the safest place to go now is to the Amity compound because that is where any other survivors would've headed. She doesn't know the fate of Tori or Christina. She doesn't even know if she can ever face Christina again after what she did to Will. I know I wouldn't be able to.
Tobias ends up admitting that he loves Tris while on the Train to the Amity compound, so at least they had a happy ending. Not much is known about what they will do once they arrive to safety though, if going there is even safe anyway.
"Abnegation and Dauntless are both broken, their members scattered. We are like the factionless now. I don't know what life will be like, separated from a faction-it feels disengaged, like a leaf divided from the tree that gives it sustenance. We are creatures of loss; we have left everything behind. I have no home, no path, no certainty. I am no longer Tris the selfless, or Tris the brave. I suppose that now, I must become more than either." - Tris
Overall I loved this book, but I am not very enthused with the ending. I feel that it cut a lot short and sped through some really important events. I loved the themes that the book covers and I can't wait to see what happens to the storyline. Hopefully all of these unanswered questions will be addressed in the next installment, Insurgent.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Tobias is there in the control room, still under the influence of the simulation. He lunges at Tris and she could easily just shoot him, but she doesn't. She can't. She instead does the only thing she thinks she can.
"I can't kill him. I am not sure if I love him; not sure if that's why. But I am sure of what he would do if our positions were reversed. I am sure that nothing is worth killing him for." - Tris
She just yells his name trying to convince him to snap out of it. He points a gun to her head, and the only thing she can do is plead, hoping he will hear her.
"He is in there somewhere." - Tris
"I can't kill him. I am not sure if I love him; not sure if that's why. But I am sure of what he would do if our positions were reversed. I am sure that nothing is worth killing him for." - Tris
She just yells his name trying to convince him to snap out of it. He points a gun to her head, and the only thing she can do is plead, hoping he will hear her.
"He is in there somewhere." - Tris
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Tris takes her father, Caleb and Marcus with her to the Dauntless compound. She didn't want to take Marcus, but he insisted he might know something about the computers. There's the hatred I was looking for.
"Half of bravery is perspective." - Tris
I completely agree with this. Danger is very real, but fear is a choice. It just depends on how you handle it.
When they get into the Dauntless compound, Peter is there. He is such a jerk. Anyway, Tris teaches him a lesson and shoots him in the arm in order to find out where the simulation is being controlled. Apparently he was taken off the simulation after having his records reviewed.
He says the only way he will tell is if they take him with them. Now there's a coward.
Tris tells Caleb and Marcus to wait outside with Peter because he will only slow them down, while Tris and her father head to the control room. I can feel it now...her dad is going to die. :(
When they get to the top of the elevator two Dauntless guards are there waiting. Tris hits the ground, avoiding bullets and her father jumps out of the elevator and runs, causing a diversion for Tris.
He is shot in the gut, but he uses his last bit of life to take out the Dauntless soldiers. Then he falls to the ground and dies.
This book sucks.
Tris has to stop the simulation. Her parents died so she could stop the mass murder of innocent people. Se runs to the control room fighting off tears and sees a person manning the screens.
"Tobias" - Tris
"Half of bravery is perspective." - Tris
I completely agree with this. Danger is very real, but fear is a choice. It just depends on how you handle it.
When they get into the Dauntless compound, Peter is there. He is such a jerk. Anyway, Tris teaches him a lesson and shoots him in the arm in order to find out where the simulation is being controlled. Apparently he was taken off the simulation after having his records reviewed.
He says the only way he will tell is if they take him with them. Now there's a coward.
Tris tells Caleb and Marcus to wait outside with Peter because he will only slow them down, while Tris and her father head to the control room. I can feel it now...her dad is going to die. :(
When they get to the top of the elevator two Dauntless guards are there waiting. Tris hits the ground, avoiding bullets and her father jumps out of the elevator and runs, causing a diversion for Tris.
He is shot in the gut, but he uses his last bit of life to take out the Dauntless soldiers. Then he falls to the ground and dies.
This book sucks.
Tris has to stop the simulation. Her parents died so she could stop the mass murder of innocent people. Se runs to the control room fighting off tears and sees a person manning the screens.
"Tobias" - Tris
Chapter Thirty-Six
Tris runs from her mother while being chased by a Dauntless soldier. He raises his gun, ready to kill. The soldier is Will. Tris makes a decision, and shoots him in the head.
Okay Will was one of my favorite characters. And now Christina is going to be heartbroken and forever alone. :(
"It was him or me. I chose me. But I feel dead too." - Tris
Tris finds where her family is hiding and goes in. Marcus is there, but Tris doesn't seem to register any rash feelings towards him. They know that the safest thing to do is to go to the Amity compound, but they first need to end the simulation.
Tris thinks back to what Jeanine said about the simulations. Then she realizes that it isn't being controlled from the Erudite compound, but from the control room of the Dauntless compound.
"I guess I am what I always have been. Not Dauntless, not Abnegation, not factionless. Divergent." - Tris
Deep, but you would think she would've realized this a long time ago.
Okay Will was one of my favorite characters. And now Christina is going to be heartbroken and forever alone. :(
"It was him or me. I chose me. But I feel dead too." - Tris
Tris finds where her family is hiding and goes in. Marcus is there, but Tris doesn't seem to register any rash feelings towards him. They know that the safest thing to do is to go to the Amity compound, but they first need to end the simulation.
Tris thinks back to what Jeanine said about the simulations. Then she realizes that it isn't being controlled from the Erudite compound, but from the control room of the Dauntless compound.
"I guess I am what I always have been. Not Dauntless, not Abnegation, not factionless. Divergent." - Tris
Deep, but you would think she would've realized this a long time ago.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Tris wakes up in a cold, dark room. She is trapped in a glass box. The same glass box from her fear simulations. Water trickles at her ankles. There is a security camera pointed at her.
Thats just awful that they want to watch her die like that.
She does everything she can to break out of the glass, but it is a battle that cant be won.
"If I refuse to give up now, it will look brave to whoever watches me with that camera, but sometimes it isn't fighting that's brave, it's facing the death you know is coming." - Tris
I love that quote.
The glass fills up and she is prepared to die. She sees a shadowy figure in front of her and the glass shatters. It's her mother.
"Beatrice, we have to run!" - Natalie Prior
Her mother gets her out of the room and they start running from the building. Her mother knows about Divergence because she is divergent! I did not see that one coming. The only reason she wasn't murdered is because her mother was a Dauntless leader. She transferred to Abnegation because it was the only place she would be guaranteed safety.
This begs the question, is that why most of the Divergent rebels come from Abnegation? When they find out they are divergent, they transfer there out of fear?
Divergent rebels are a threat to the government because all initiates are trained to think and act a certain way. Divergent people's minds go in a dozen different directions, so they can't be controlled.
While they are talking they hear a pack of Dauntless soldiers running down the hall. Her mother tells Tris to go find their family while she distracts the guards.
Her mother runs out and fires at the soldiers.
"My mother stiffens, her back arching. Blood surges from a wound in her abdomen, dying her shirt crimson." - Tris
She falls to the ground. I about cried.
Thats just awful that they want to watch her die like that.
She does everything she can to break out of the glass, but it is a battle that cant be won.
"If I refuse to give up now, it will look brave to whoever watches me with that camera, but sometimes it isn't fighting that's brave, it's facing the death you know is coming." - Tris
I love that quote.
The glass fills up and she is prepared to die. She sees a shadowy figure in front of her and the glass shatters. It's her mother.
"Beatrice, we have to run!" - Natalie Prior
Her mother gets her out of the room and they start running from the building. Her mother knows about Divergence because she is divergent! I did not see that one coming. The only reason she wasn't murdered is because her mother was a Dauntless leader. She transferred to Abnegation because it was the only place she would be guaranteed safety.
This begs the question, is that why most of the Divergent rebels come from Abnegation? When they find out they are divergent, they transfer there out of fear?
Divergent rebels are a threat to the government because all initiates are trained to think and act a certain way. Divergent people's minds go in a dozen different directions, so they can't be controlled.
While they are talking they hear a pack of Dauntless soldiers running down the hall. Her mother tells Tris to go find their family while she distracts the guards.
Her mother runs out and fires at the soldiers.
"My mother stiffens, her back arching. Blood surges from a wound in her abdomen, dying her shirt crimson." - Tris
She falls to the ground. I about cried.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Tobias and Tris are taken to Jeanine's office. Jeanine's plan is to use a new serum that even works on Divergent rebels, so she can have complete control over everybody who refuses to obey her.
This reminds me of the internment camps that we had for Japanese americans in WWII.
She thinks that the factionless are a drain on the resources, so she plans on ridding the government of Abnegation leaders. Since she can't manipulate the will of divergent rebels, she will manipulate their surroundings. Their friends will become their enemies.
"Those who refuse to accept our leadership must be closely monitored." - Jeanine
And the first test subject is Tobias. Jeanine plans to execute Tris because she is to injured to serve any purpose.
Tobias lunges at Jeanine when he hears this and tries to strangle her. The dauntless guards pull him off and inject him with the new serum that was created for divergent rebels.
"He doesn't know you. The simulation manipulates him by altering what he sees-making him confuse enemy with friend." - Jeanine
He doesn't know Tris anymore. No matter how much she talks to him he doesn't respond. He lunges at her and almost strangles her until a guard pulls him off. Tris attacks the guards, but is knocked out cold.
This reminds me of the internment camps that we had for Japanese americans in WWII.
She thinks that the factionless are a drain on the resources, so she plans on ridding the government of Abnegation leaders. Since she can't manipulate the will of divergent rebels, she will manipulate their surroundings. Their friends will become their enemies.
"Those who refuse to accept our leadership must be closely monitored." - Jeanine
And the first test subject is Tobias. Jeanine plans to execute Tris because she is to injured to serve any purpose.
Tobias lunges at Jeanine when he hears this and tries to strangle her. The dauntless guards pull him off and inject him with the new serum that was created for divergent rebels.
"He doesn't know you. The simulation manipulates him by altering what he sees-making him confuse enemy with friend." - Jeanine
He doesn't know Tris anymore. No matter how much she talks to him he doesn't respond. He lunges at her and almost strangles her until a guard pulls him off. Tris attacks the guards, but is knocked out cold.
Chapter Thirty-Three
So, this part just makes me really mad. Tris just found out the key to a war that is about to be waged and the only person who can help her is Tobias. She tries to stay next to him but the crowd separates them and she can't find him.
No! That doesn't just happen! You were freaking right next to each other! Everybody just saw you making out, so you could've just held hands! It's not like anybody cared anyway!
So she goes back to the dorms where everybody is just magically ready to go to sleep right away and she decides to go lay down until everybody falls asleep, then she will go see him in his apartment. Okay good plan to make up for whatever just happened back at the banquet.
"I decide to sneak out of the dormitory after everyone is asleep and find him, but the fear landscape exhausted me more than I realized, so soon enough, I drift off too." - Tris
What? That's like if I knew that North Korea was going to hit us with nuclear bombs and I knew how to stop it, but I was tired so I thought I should just take a nap before I stop an all out war. Go Tris.
She wakes up in the middle of the night and all of the initiates in the dorm are getting dressed all in unison. Their eyes are open, but blank and expressionless. They are sleepwalkers. Tris does the best she can to mimic their movements so she doesn't get caught.
They go to a room and they all grab guns. They all run together towards the exit.
"I can't wage war against Abnegation, against my family. I would rather die." - Tris
One by one they hop on to the train. Tris still does her best to follow their perfectly carried out movements. She can't scan the car for Tobias, but he is her only hope. Suddenly, a hand laces through hers. Tobias is right next to her, acting along with the others as well.
Right before they jump off, Tobias tells her to run, but she can't leave her family so they both stay in line. She already hears popping sounds that are undoubtedly gunshots, but she can't let herself flinch.
Eric comes up next to Tobias and puts a gun to his head. He thinks he is nothing now so it doesn't matter if he "accidentally" gets shot. Tris reaches for her gun and points it at Eric's skull. SHe shoots him in the foot and she and Tobias run as fast as they can.
"I stumble behind him. I hear a gunshot. The pain is sharp and sudden, beginning in my shoulder and spreading outward with electric fingers." - Tris.
Tobias won't leave Tris alone with a gunshot wound, so they both get captured by Dauntless soldiers.
No! That doesn't just happen! You were freaking right next to each other! Everybody just saw you making out, so you could've just held hands! It's not like anybody cared anyway!
So she goes back to the dorms where everybody is just magically ready to go to sleep right away and she decides to go lay down until everybody falls asleep, then she will go see him in his apartment. Okay good plan to make up for whatever just happened back at the banquet.
"I decide to sneak out of the dormitory after everyone is asleep and find him, but the fear landscape exhausted me more than I realized, so soon enough, I drift off too." - Tris
What? That's like if I knew that North Korea was going to hit us with nuclear bombs and I knew how to stop it, but I was tired so I thought I should just take a nap before I stop an all out war. Go Tris.
She wakes up in the middle of the night and all of the initiates in the dorm are getting dressed all in unison. Their eyes are open, but blank and expressionless. They are sleepwalkers. Tris does the best she can to mimic their movements so she doesn't get caught.
They go to a room and they all grab guns. They all run together towards the exit.
"I can't wage war against Abnegation, against my family. I would rather die." - Tris
One by one they hop on to the train. Tris still does her best to follow their perfectly carried out movements. She can't scan the car for Tobias, but he is her only hope. Suddenly, a hand laces through hers. Tobias is right next to her, acting along with the others as well.
Right before they jump off, Tobias tells her to run, but she can't leave her family so they both stay in line. She already hears popping sounds that are undoubtedly gunshots, but she can't let herself flinch.
Eric comes up next to Tobias and puts a gun to his head. He thinks he is nothing now so it doesn't matter if he "accidentally" gets shot. Tris reaches for her gun and points it at Eric's skull. SHe shoots him in the foot and she and Tobias run as fast as they can.
"I stumble behind him. I hear a gunshot. The pain is sharp and sudden, beginning in my shoulder and spreading outward with electric fingers." - Tris.
Tobias won't leave Tris alone with a gunshot wound, so they both get captured by Dauntless soldiers.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Tris goes to the dining hall where the banquet will be held. Here, the final ranks of who will be initiated and who will be factionless are posted.
Eric gives a speech that encompasses the Dauntless virtues, all of which he does not believe in, and then posts the rankings.
Final Rankings:
1. Tris
2. Uriah
3. Lynn
4. Marlene
5. Peter
6. Will
7. Christina
Everybody that is worth knowing about is on that list. Thankfully, Molly and Drew, Peter's minions, are the ones left factionless. Ha, they had it coming.
Tobias comes to congratulate her and they kiss despite all of the people watching. I feel like this is like the scene from High School Musical when Gabriella and Troy end up together in front of the jocks, nerds, thespians, and others that used to look down on their relationship.
Then suddenly, Tris realizes something.
"One: Colored serum contains transmitters. Two: Transmitters connect the mind to a simulation program. Three: Erudite developed the serum. Four: Eric and Max are working for the Erudite." - Tris
She knows how the Erudite will get the Dauntless to fight.
Eric gives a speech that encompasses the Dauntless virtues, all of which he does not believe in, and then posts the rankings.
Final Rankings:
1. Tris
2. Uriah
3. Lynn
4. Marlene
5. Peter
6. Will
7. Christina
Everybody that is worth knowing about is on that list. Thankfully, Molly and Drew, Peter's minions, are the ones left factionless. Ha, they had it coming.
Tobias comes to congratulate her and they kiss despite all of the people watching. I feel like this is like the scene from High School Musical when Gabriella and Troy end up together in front of the jocks, nerds, thespians, and others that used to look down on their relationship.
Then suddenly, Tris realizes something.
"One: Colored serum contains transmitters. Two: Transmitters connect the mind to a simulation program. Three: Erudite developed the serum. Four: Eric and Max are working for the Erudite." - Tris
She knows how the Erudite will get the Dauntless to fight.
Mind=Blown.
Chapter Thirty-One
She comes up from the fear landscape in an empty room. Then, all of the Dauntless leaders come in and congratulate her on her completion. Before she leaves, they insist that she be injected with a colored serum that supposedly holds a tracking device for in case she goes missing.
How often to people go missing, and since when do the Dauntless care?
Since she can't refuse, she takes the serum. She will find out her final rank in two hours at the initiation banquet.
When she gets out, Tobias says that if she wants some peace and quiet, she can wait for the banquet to start at his apartment. So of course she goes.
"I don't want to go back to the dormitory, and I don't want to be afraid of him." - Tris
When they get to the apartment and Tobias tries to kiss her, she pushes him away. Tobias looks hurt and when Tris tells him about her fear landscape and how she doesn't know what his expectations are, he confesses that he hasn't been in any serious relationships either.
Okay this is Tobias we're talking about...how?
When Tobias sees that Tris has a new tattoo, she shows it to him. It is a symbol of Abnegation. Then Tobias shows Tris that he has a tattoo of every faction on his back.
"We've all started to put down the virtues of the other factions in the process of bolstering our own." - Tobias
He confesses that he wants to have the virtues of all of the factions, not just one.
I don't understand how Tobias wasn't actually Divergent.
Chapter Thirty
It's Tris's turn to enter her fear landscape, which will be the final test the initiates encounter before final results are posted.
Her first fear is the crows again, her second fear is the tank of water, and her third fear is of falling into the chasm. These fears aren't really meant to be taken literally though. Her real fear is of being out of control.
"To face it, I have to regain control." - Tris
Her fourth fear is of being burned at the stake by Peter. Her third is of being kidnapped/taken against her will. I think these are more literal considering her previous real life situations.
Her fifth fear is...well, having sex with Tobias. I guess just being that close with anybody in general. This is understandable taking into consideration that she is part Abnegation. Her sixth fear is of having Jeanine force her to kill her family. Her family looks at her and tells her they understand, but Tris can't bring herself to do it.
"Selflessness and bravery aren't all that different." - Tobias
Tris remembers why he said this. She drops the gun and turns to face the gun that Jeanine is pointing at her head. She hears a click, and a bang.
Her first fear is the crows again, her second fear is the tank of water, and her third fear is of falling into the chasm. These fears aren't really meant to be taken literally though. Her real fear is of being out of control.
"To face it, I have to regain control." - Tris
Her fourth fear is of being burned at the stake by Peter. Her third is of being kidnapped/taken against her will. I think these are more literal considering her previous real life situations.
Her fifth fear is...well, having sex with Tobias. I guess just being that close with anybody in general. This is understandable taking into consideration that she is part Abnegation. Her sixth fear is of having Jeanine force her to kill her family. Her family looks at her and tells her they understand, but Tris can't bring herself to do it.
"Selflessness and bravery aren't all that different." - Tobias
Tris remembers why he said this. She drops the gun and turns to face the gun that Jeanine is pointing at her head. She hears a click, and a bang.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Nothing of importance happens in this chapter, but here's a quote.
"I sigh." - Tris
"I sigh." - Tris
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Tris leaves the compound alone, breaking the rules, to go visit Caleb at the Erudite compound. When she gets there she sees massive portraits of Jeanine, the Erudite leader who is leading the people to hate Abnegation.
Once she finds Caleb, he rushes her outside into an empty park.
"Something big is happening Beatrice. Something is wrong." - Caleb Prior
Caleb doesn't know whether or not to believe Abnegation or Erudite. Tris is angered that he could even think like that and Caleb ends up telling her to leave. Okay I would be heartbroken because that was the only person that she could contact in her family that she could trust.
Tris leaves, but not before telling him to research the truth serum. Then just before she gets out, she is intercepted by two Erudite guards.
They take her to Jeanine's office, and Tris recognizes her voice almost immediately. Jeanine was the girl talking to Eric about it being his job to capture divergent rebels.
Jeanine questions Tris about all her test results. She knows about the fear simulation results because I guess the Erudite and Dauntless have an "understanding".
Tris has to be able to bluff her way out of all of these accusations, otherwise she risks exposing her divergence. In order to do that, she says that she believes in the accusations against the Abnegation wholeheartedly.
"I was tired of being a wussy little do-gooder and I wanted out." - Tris
When Tris returns to the Dauntless compound, lovely Eric is there to greet her. He threatens to make her a traitor and lower her rank if she can't explain why she left, when Tobias walks in. He says that the reason she left is because she tried to kiss him and he rejected her, so she ran away in humiliation.
Ouch.
Eric apparently finds humor in this and decides to let it go as long as it doesn't happen again. When Four asks Tris if she is alright he tells her the reason he is acting like he has no interest in her is because if people found out about them, they might think he was influencing her ranks.
Oh.
So Tobias was thinking logically while Tris was letting her emotions get the best of her. Point on the board for Four.
When Tris gets back to the compound, Christina asks her is she will be a girl for on second. This is coming from Christina. Christina says that Will kissed her! I don't know who I think is a better couple; Four and Tris, or Christina and Will.
That night, Tobias and Tris sneak off on the trains. They go to the outskirts of the Erudite compound where Tobias tells Tris everything he knows about them. Since Tobias works in the control rooms, he figured out how to get into the Dauntless secure files. What he saw looked like war plans written by the Erudite. They were for a war against Abnegation.
Uh Oh.
The only thing he doesn't know is how the Erudite will get the Dauntless to fight for them.
Once she finds Caleb, he rushes her outside into an empty park.
"Something big is happening Beatrice. Something is wrong." - Caleb Prior
Caleb doesn't know whether or not to believe Abnegation or Erudite. Tris is angered that he could even think like that and Caleb ends up telling her to leave. Okay I would be heartbroken because that was the only person that she could contact in her family that she could trust.
Tris leaves, but not before telling him to research the truth serum. Then just before she gets out, she is intercepted by two Erudite guards.
They take her to Jeanine's office, and Tris recognizes her voice almost immediately. Jeanine was the girl talking to Eric about it being his job to capture divergent rebels.
Jeanine questions Tris about all her test results. She knows about the fear simulation results because I guess the Erudite and Dauntless have an "understanding".
Tris has to be able to bluff her way out of all of these accusations, otherwise she risks exposing her divergence. In order to do that, she says that she believes in the accusations against the Abnegation wholeheartedly.
"I was tired of being a wussy little do-gooder and I wanted out." - Tris
When Tris returns to the Dauntless compound, lovely Eric is there to greet her. He threatens to make her a traitor and lower her rank if she can't explain why she left, when Tobias walks in. He says that the reason she left is because she tried to kiss him and he rejected her, so she ran away in humiliation.
Ouch.
Eric apparently finds humor in this and decides to let it go as long as it doesn't happen again. When Four asks Tris if she is alright he tells her the reason he is acting like he has no interest in her is because if people found out about them, they might think he was influencing her ranks.
Oh.
So Tobias was thinking logically while Tris was letting her emotions get the best of her. Point on the board for Four.
When Tris gets back to the compound, Christina asks her is she will be a girl for on second. This is coming from Christina. Christina says that Will kissed her! I don't know who I think is a better couple; Four and Tris, or Christina and Will.
That night, Tobias and Tris sneak off on the trains. They go to the outskirts of the Erudite compound where Tobias tells Tris everything he knows about them. Since Tobias works in the control rooms, he figured out how to get into the Dauntless secure files. What he saw looked like war plans written by the Erudite. They were for a war against Abnegation.
Uh Oh.
The only thing he doesn't know is how the Erudite will get the Dauntless to fight for them.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
So the next morning Tris is just giddy and completely lovestruck over Four. Understandable. It's actually kind of funny to see her this way. For some reason though, when she goes to breakfast, Four won't even acknowledge her presence.
"Maybe he changed his mind about liking me. Maybe he thinks kissing me was a mistake." - Tris
Apparently in the first day of the fear landscapes, they will go through one of the leaders landscape instead of their own. Just to get a feel of how the program works I guess.
The initiates will go through Lauren's fear landscape. The fear that Tris gets is being kidnapped. Somehow though, Lauren's fear morphs into her own and the simulation turns into the night she was kidnapped by Al, Peter, and Drew.
"Lauren's fear transformed into one of my own." -Tris
She loses all logic and can't control herself. Somebody orders to stop the simulation and Four comes in asking her what the hell happened.
"Get yourself together. This is pathetic." - Four
Bad move Four, bad move. Tris just punches him in the face and tells him to shut up. Then she leaves.
See what I mean again about how this relationship develops in the strangest way?
"Maybe he changed his mind about liking me. Maybe he thinks kissing me was a mistake." - Tris
Apparently in the first day of the fear landscapes, they will go through one of the leaders landscape instead of their own. Just to get a feel of how the program works I guess.
The initiates will go through Lauren's fear landscape. The fear that Tris gets is being kidnapped. Somehow though, Lauren's fear morphs into her own and the simulation turns into the night she was kidnapped by Al, Peter, and Drew.
"Lauren's fear transformed into one of my own." -Tris
She loses all logic and can't control herself. Somebody orders to stop the simulation and Four comes in asking her what the hell happened.
"Get yourself together. This is pathetic." - Four
Bad move Four, bad move. Tris just punches him in the face and tells him to shut up. Then she leaves.
See what I mean again about how this relationship develops in the strangest way?
Chapter Twenty-Six
Holding hands, Four takes Tris to the bottom of the chasm. Four tells her that he isn't Divergent, but his results were as expected, Abnegation. The only reason he left was to get away from his dad. I mean I would if that were my situation.
"I still feel the ghost of a stinging belt on my wrist." - Tris
Four thinks that he belongs equally in both factions though. He could just as easily fit into Abnegation the way he fits into Dauntless.
"I have a theory that selflessness and bravery aren't all that different." - Four
I completely agree with this, although it isn't the only reason people act bravely. When you see somebody in danger, because you are selfless, it causes you to act bravely by putting their life before your own.
Four says that the reason he has been watching her closely is because he likes her. Even though Tris doesn't understand why because she thinks she isn't pretty, he likes the way she looks and the kind of person she is.
Then they kiss at the bottom of the chasm and it is the most perfect moment ever in a book. Ever.
"I still feel the ghost of a stinging belt on my wrist." - Tris
Four thinks that he belongs equally in both factions though. He could just as easily fit into Abnegation the way he fits into Dauntless.
"I have a theory that selflessness and bravery aren't all that different." - Four
I completely agree with this, although it isn't the only reason people act bravely. When you see somebody in danger, because you are selfless, it causes you to act bravely by putting their life before your own.
Four says that the reason he has been watching her closely is because he likes her. Even though Tris doesn't understand why because she thinks she isn't pretty, he likes the way she looks and the kind of person she is.
Then they kiss at the bottom of the chasm and it is the most perfect moment ever in a book. Ever.
Chapter Twenty-Five
That night, Four takes Tris through his fear landscape. They go in and his first fear is heights. We already knew this from when they climbed the ferris wheel. They are on top of some sort of metal beam and they have to jump down in order for the simulation to move on. Personally, I'm not afraid of heights so this doesn't scare me that much.
His next fear is confinement. They are both crushed into a tiny space and so Tris tells him that they need to get as close together and as small as they can get in order to pass the obstacle.
"Feel my heartbeat?" "It's fast." "Yes, well, that has nothing to do with the box." - Tris and Four
...Awkward...
His third fear is of shooting someone. This person is a woman, but it isn't said who she is. Four has to kill her every time he goes through his fear landscape.
"Here's the part, where you figure out my name." - Four
His fourth fear is his father. Marcus Eaton, the Abnegation political leader. There were rumors of him being abusive and apparently they are true. Since Marcus is his father, and Marcus had a son named Tobias that transferred to Dauntless...Four is Tobias!!!
Marcus walks towards them with a belt in his hand and then they multiply until there is twelve of them circling around them. They raise the belts and Tris protects Tobias by stopping the belt and hitting Marcus with it. Go Tris! Then Marcus lunges at Tris, but Tobias protects her this time.
That's when the simulation ends. His nickname is four because he has four fears!! Ba Dum CHHHH!
His next fear is confinement. They are both crushed into a tiny space and so Tris tells him that they need to get as close together and as small as they can get in order to pass the obstacle.
"Feel my heartbeat?" "It's fast." "Yes, well, that has nothing to do with the box." - Tris and Four
...Awkward...
His third fear is of shooting someone. This person is a woman, but it isn't said who she is. Four has to kill her every time he goes through his fear landscape.
"Here's the part, where you figure out my name." - Four
His fourth fear is his father. Marcus Eaton, the Abnegation political leader. There were rumors of him being abusive and apparently they are true. Since Marcus is his father, and Marcus had a son named Tobias that transferred to Dauntless...Four is Tobias!!!
Marcus walks towards them with a belt in his hand and then they multiply until there is twelve of them circling around them. They raise the belts and Tris protects Tobias by stopping the belt and hitting Marcus with it. Go Tris! Then Marcus lunges at Tris, but Tobias protects her this time.
That's when the simulation ends. His nickname is four because he has four fears!! Ba Dum CHHHH!
Chapter Twenty-Four
Christina wakes Tris up telling her to get up. Something has happened to Al. They run to the chasm where a crowd has formed and something is pulled up from the bottom of the chasm. Al's body.
"The face itself is something other than human, half corpse and half creature. My lungs burn; my next breath rattles on the way in. Al." - Tris
"Why do people want to pretend that death is sleep? It isn't." - Tris
Not quite sure why I put this quote. I guess this has always perplexed me as well.
The funeral is held that day. The funeral seems more like a celebration that anything. Eric gets up to give a speech and says that what Al did was brave. In my opinion, suicide isn't brave, but it definitly isn't being a coward either. I think the cowards are the people that push them into feeling so helpless that they see no other way away from the pain.
Tris is upset over this and says it would never happen in Abnegation. Four tells her to be careful because the Dauntless leaders are watching her.
"It's when you're acting selflessly that you are at your bravest." - Four
Apparently the reason Four has been acting the way he has is because he knows that because she is selfless, it is that part of her that causes her to be brave. Four says that she needs to make that selfless intention go away. The Dauntless leaders want her to be a certain way and act a certain way. Acting brave due to your selflessness is not how they want you to be.
After this conversation they have another moment and it's pretty obvious at this point that they are going to end up together.
"The face itself is something other than human, half corpse and half creature. My lungs burn; my next breath rattles on the way in. Al." - Tris
"Why do people want to pretend that death is sleep? It isn't." - Tris
Not quite sure why I put this quote. I guess this has always perplexed me as well.
The funeral is held that day. The funeral seems more like a celebration that anything. Eric gets up to give a speech and says that what Al did was brave. In my opinion, suicide isn't brave, but it definitly isn't being a coward either. I think the cowards are the people that push them into feeling so helpless that they see no other way away from the pain.
Tris is upset over this and says it would never happen in Abnegation. Four tells her to be careful because the Dauntless leaders are watching her.
"It's when you're acting selflessly that you are at your bravest." - Four
Apparently the reason Four has been acting the way he has is because he knows that because she is selfless, it is that part of her that causes her to be brave. Four says that she needs to make that selfless intention go away. The Dauntless leaders want her to be a certain way and act a certain way. Acting brave due to your selflessness is not how they want you to be.
After this conversation they have another moment and it's pretty obvious at this point that they are going to end up together.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Tris stays the night in Four's apartment, which escalated quite quickly from holding hands for five seconds, because she doesn't want to go back to the dorms. She realizes that she likes him when he isn't being dauntless.
"He is not sweet or gentle or particularly kind. But he is smart and brave, and even though he saved me, he treated me like i was strong. That is all I needed to know." - Tris
When she wakes up and her and Four go into the dining pavilion. Four told her that she needed to show some weakness for them to stop bothering her. I agree with him. She goes to sit down and Al isn't anywhere to be seen.
When Drew walks in, he is completely bruised, and that is putting it nicely. For kind of kicked his ass when he found Tris.
Later, Four takes all of the transfer initiates to what will be the third phase of training. The fear landscapes are a compilation of their fears from the fear simulation, except this time they will actually be physically be walking through every single one of their fears.
"You can get past each obstacle in one of two ways. Either you find a way to calm down, or youfind a way to face the fear, which can force the simulation to move on." - Four
When they get back to the dorm, Al asks to talk to Tris. He is crying and begging for her forgiveness, but Tris forgets the person inside her that is forgiving. She tells him to never come near her again and if he does, she will kill him.
"If you do, I swear to god I will kill you. You coward." - Tris
One part of me finds this to be really harsh, but the other feels like Al deserved everything he got.
"He is not sweet or gentle or particularly kind. But he is smart and brave, and even though he saved me, he treated me like i was strong. That is all I needed to know." - Tris
When she wakes up and her and Four go into the dining pavilion. Four told her that she needed to show some weakness for them to stop bothering her. I agree with him. She goes to sit down and Al isn't anywhere to be seen.
When Drew walks in, he is completely bruised, and that is putting it nicely. For kind of kicked his ass when he found Tris.
Later, Four takes all of the transfer initiates to what will be the third phase of training. The fear landscapes are a compilation of their fears from the fear simulation, except this time they will actually be physically be walking through every single one of their fears.
"You can get past each obstacle in one of two ways. Either you find a way to calm down, or youfind a way to face the fear, which can force the simulation to move on." - Four
When they get back to the dorm, Al asks to talk to Tris. He is crying and begging for her forgiveness, but Tris forgets the person inside her that is forgiving. She tells him to never come near her again and if he does, she will kill him.
"If you do, I swear to god I will kill you. You coward." - Tris
One part of me finds this to be really harsh, but the other feels like Al deserved everything he got.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Tris wakes up and finds herself in Four's apartment. Four tells her that he dropped Drew off at the infirmary, but Peter and Al fled the scene. Four wants to report them, but Tris says no. She doesn't want them to think she is scared.
"The others won't be jealous if you show some vulnerability. Even if it isn't real." - Four
I think in Tris's case this is some advice she should listen to. Peter has it out for her because she is the best one there. In order for her to not get killed, she needs to lay low for a while.
"It's more important for you to be safe than right, for the time being." - Four
Four just turned into Mr. Wisdom in this chapter. Doing this is really hard for me when I'm in similar situations. Sometimes the logical way to go is to just go along with things, rather than proving you are right, even if you are. My situations aren't necessarily an issue of safety though, but more of an issue of parental reprimands. You know, getting grounded, ha ha!
"The others won't be jealous if you show some vulnerability. Even if it isn't real." - Four
I think in Tris's case this is some advice she should listen to. Peter has it out for her because she is the best one there. In order for her to not get killed, she needs to lay low for a while.
"It's more important for you to be safe than right, for the time being." - Four
Four just turned into Mr. Wisdom in this chapter. Doing this is really hard for me when I'm in similar situations. Sometimes the logical way to go is to just go along with things, rather than proving you are right, even if you are. My situations aren't necessarily an issue of safety though, but more of an issue of parental reprimands. You know, getting grounded, ha ha!
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Chapter Twenty-One
Rankings for stage two are posted and Tris is ranked first. Not surprising, but her time is five minutes faster than Peter's, who is in second place. A conspicuously wide margin. So true to Peter being a sore loser, he flips on Tris and almost beats her up.
"Tris is going to edge you out of the rankings and out of Dauntless, and you're going to get nothing, all because she knows how to manipulate people and you don't. So when you realize that she's out to ruin us all, you let me know." - Peter
Will actually almost believes Peter's claims about Tris. Al was ranked last, and doesn't even want to talk to Tris at this point because he is so ashamed of himself. I feel bad, but he should've tried a little harder during the first phase of initiation so his overall score wasn't as bad.
Later, Four talks to Tris and tells her that she belongs here. In Dauntless I mean. And they end up holding hands. Then she walks away. The way this relationship progresses is so strange.
"I reach out and take his hand. For a long moment we stay that way. Then I pull my hand away and run after Uriah and Lynn and Marlene." - Tris
See what I mean? Oh, they held hands for like five seconds. You could cut the sexual tension with a knife. (Hint of sarcasm.)
At night, Tris overhears a conversation between Eric and a familiar female voice. Apparently, Eric was appointed to be a leader on order to find and kill any Divergent rebels. Then out of the blue, Tris is grabbed and bound by three people.
"The palm on my mouth is sweaty and soft. I clench my teeth and breath through my nose. The soap smell is familiar. Lemongrass and Sage. The same smell surrounds Al's bunk. A weight drops in my stomach." -Tris
I think part of my soul just died. Freaking Al is helping Peter and Drew kill Tris!! No! He's a good guy! They hang her over the chasm and almost drop her until Four comes in and saves her.
"Tris is going to edge you out of the rankings and out of Dauntless, and you're going to get nothing, all because she knows how to manipulate people and you don't. So when you realize that she's out to ruin us all, you let me know." - Peter
Will actually almost believes Peter's claims about Tris. Al was ranked last, and doesn't even want to talk to Tris at this point because he is so ashamed of himself. I feel bad, but he should've tried a little harder during the first phase of initiation so his overall score wasn't as bad.
Later, Four talks to Tris and tells her that she belongs here. In Dauntless I mean. And they end up holding hands. Then she walks away. The way this relationship progresses is so strange.
"I reach out and take his hand. For a long moment we stay that way. Then I pull my hand away and run after Uriah and Lynn and Marlene." - Tris
See what I mean? Oh, they held hands for like five seconds. You could cut the sexual tension with a knife. (Hint of sarcasm.)
At night, Tris overhears a conversation between Eric and a familiar female voice. Apparently, Eric was appointed to be a leader on order to find and kill any Divergent rebels. Then out of the blue, Tris is grabbed and bound by three people.
"The palm on my mouth is sweaty and soft. I clench my teeth and breath through my nose. The soap smell is familiar. Lemongrass and Sage. The same smell surrounds Al's bunk. A weight drops in my stomach." -Tris
I think part of my soul just died. Freaking Al is helping Peter and Drew kill Tris!! No! He's a good guy! They hang her over the chasm and almost drop her until Four comes in and saves her.
Chapter Twenty
For the second day of Phase 2 training, Tris is put under the fear simulation again. This time, she is trapped in a glass box that is slowly filling up with water. All the initiates and trainers are there watching, but they will not help her.
"I press my hand above my head to see if I can force the box open. It doesn't budge. I am sealed in." - Tris
Tris know's that the only way out is to face the fear or calm your heart rate, but she thinks there might be another way out. She does everything she can to try and break the glass and ends up shattering the box open.
She comes out of the simulation and Four asks her how she broke the glass. Tris honestly doesn't know how, but that doesn't matter. Four takes her into the hall and tells her that he knows she is divergent because she can manipulate the tests. He promises to delete the footage, but advises her not to do it again unless she wants to end up dead.
Obviously the next logical thing to do is look for answers and who has those? Tori. Tori informs her that Divergent people who are Dauntless tend to...die, but not always. Tris doesn't think the Dauntless leaders would kill anybody, but Tori knows firsthand that they will.
"They got my brother, why not you huh? What makes you special?" - Tori
Yep. Tori's Divergent brother was murdered by Dauntless leaders for being divergent. Anyway, apparently Tobias knows something about Divergent people, because he knows the symptoms of it.
"I press my hand above my head to see if I can force the box open. It doesn't budge. I am sealed in." - Tris
Tris know's that the only way out is to face the fear or calm your heart rate, but she thinks there might be another way out. She does everything she can to try and break the glass and ends up shattering the box open.
She comes out of the simulation and Four asks her how she broke the glass. Tris honestly doesn't know how, but that doesn't matter. Four takes her into the hall and tells her that he knows she is divergent because she can manipulate the tests. He promises to delete the footage, but advises her not to do it again unless she wants to end up dead.
Obviously the next logical thing to do is look for answers and who has those? Tori. Tori informs her that Divergent people who are Dauntless tend to...die, but not always. Tris doesn't think the Dauntless leaders would kill anybody, but Tori knows firsthand that they will.
"They got my brother, why not you huh? What makes you special?" - Tori
Yep. Tori's Divergent brother was murdered by Dauntless leaders for being divergent. Anyway, apparently Tobias knows something about Divergent people, because he knows the symptoms of it.
Chapter Ninteen
Tris walks into the dorms only to find Peter reading a newspaper written by the Erudite that is bashing the Abnegation.
"The mass exodus of the children of the Abnegation leaders cannot be ignored or attributed to coincidence. The recent transfer of Beatrice and Caleb Prior, the children of Andrew Prior, calls into question the soundness of Abnegation's values and teachings. Why else would the children of such an important man decide that the lifestyle he has set out for them is not an admirable one?" - Erudite Newspaper
Basically they are questioning having a government filled with "proselytizing tyrants". Tris almost looses it, but thankfully Will pulls her out. For being people that come from the faction that value honesty, the Candor initiates are very easily convinced into believing lies.
The gang heads to get tattoos and while passing the chasm they encounter a drunken Four. I'm not going into detail on this I'm just going to say that it seemed really out of place, confusing, and unnecessary. That's all I have to say about that. (Your welcome for the Forrest Gump reference.)
"The mass exodus of the children of the Abnegation leaders cannot be ignored or attributed to coincidence. The recent transfer of Beatrice and Caleb Prior, the children of Andrew Prior, calls into question the soundness of Abnegation's values and teachings. Why else would the children of such an important man decide that the lifestyle he has set out for them is not an admirable one?" - Erudite Newspaper
Basically they are questioning having a government filled with "proselytizing tyrants". Tris almost looses it, but thankfully Will pulls her out. For being people that come from the faction that value honesty, the Candor initiates are very easily convinced into believing lies.
The gang heads to get tattoos and while passing the chasm they encounter a drunken Four. I'm not going into detail on this I'm just going to say that it seemed really out of place, confusing, and unnecessary. That's all I have to say about that. (Your welcome for the Forrest Gump reference.)
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Chapter Eighteen
Stage two of initiation is starting and all initiates, transfer and born, are placed in a waiting room until it is their turn. They go one by one until it's Tris's turn. Four brings her into a room that looks just like the room from the Aptitude tests.
At this point I would be freaking out because the Aptitude tests didn't turn out very well for Tris.
She sits down and is told that the simulation basically pits you against your worst fears. The simulation only ends when you either face the fear, or you calm yourself down enough to slow your heart rate.
The serum accesses your fears by stimulating the amygdala, the part of the brain that holds your fears, and then induces a hallucination.
This seems like the coolest technology ever, but also highly weaponizable. If they could somehow get this serum secretly distributed in the public, since no wires are involved in the transmission of the data collected, the could know every fear of every living person on the planet.
"Be brave Tris. The first time is always the hardest." - Four
Long story short, Tris's fear simulation includes being attacked and suffocated by masses of crows. I'm guessing that fears can also be represented metaphorically as well as literally. I honestly don't think Tris is afraid of crows.
Tris wakes up freaking out and completely terrified. Four walks her out the back and she thinks she is a failure, when in all actuality, she made it out of the simulation three ties faster than the other initiates.
This just makes me think of hunger games because Katniss was an underdog and then started showing everybody up with her high training scores. It kind of bothers me that they are so similar.
"Six years ago Max and the other leaders changed the training methods to be more competitive and more brutal, said it was supposed to test people's strength." - Four
Four and Tris start talking about how the Dauntless views changed when the leadership did. When Eric and somebody named Max came into power, they made being Dauntless more about being ruthless than about being brave.
At this point I would be freaking out because the Aptitude tests didn't turn out very well for Tris.
She sits down and is told that the simulation basically pits you against your worst fears. The simulation only ends when you either face the fear, or you calm yourself down enough to slow your heart rate.
The serum accesses your fears by stimulating the amygdala, the part of the brain that holds your fears, and then induces a hallucination.
This seems like the coolest technology ever, but also highly weaponizable. If they could somehow get this serum secretly distributed in the public, since no wires are involved in the transmission of the data collected, the could know every fear of every living person on the planet.
"Be brave Tris. The first time is always the hardest." - Four
Long story short, Tris's fear simulation includes being attacked and suffocated by masses of crows. I'm guessing that fears can also be represented metaphorically as well as literally. I honestly don't think Tris is afraid of crows.
Tris wakes up freaking out and completely terrified. Four walks her out the back and she thinks she is a failure, when in all actuality, she made it out of the simulation three ties faster than the other initiates.
This just makes me think of hunger games because Katniss was an underdog and then started showing everybody up with her high training scores. It kind of bothers me that they are so similar.
"Six years ago Max and the other leaders changed the training methods to be more competitive and more brutal, said it was supposed to test people's strength." - Four
Four and Tris start talking about how the Dauntless views changed when the leadership did. When Eric and somebody named Max came into power, they made being Dauntless more about being ruthless than about being brave.
Chapter Seventeen
Uriah asks Tris to go to a Dauntless-born initiation ritual. Even though she isn't Dauntless-born, the other initiate cut her some slack. I would be super excited because no transfer initiates have ever gotten to do this.
"Part of me wonders if this is a suicide mission disguised as a game." - Tris
They take the train to the abandoned side of the city to the old Hancock building. When they get there they ride the elevator to the 100th floor which is apparently the roof. All of the initiates have to zip-line on their stomaches face first from the top of the sky scraper to the ground...That sounds like so much fun!
I once did this thing at six flags that is kind of similar. I honestly have no idea how to explain it so I'm not even going to try.
"I feel like I am without substance, without weight." - Tris
I don't know why, but thats my favorite part about doing things like that. The feeling of being weightless and not touching anything but thin air.
Tris begins to realize the camaraderie that is formed between the Dauntless that can only exist when you experience those things together. It's the first time she has really felt eager to be one of them.
"Part of me wonders if this is a suicide mission disguised as a game." - Tris
They take the train to the abandoned side of the city to the old Hancock building. When they get there they ride the elevator to the 100th floor which is apparently the roof. All of the initiates have to zip-line on their stomaches face first from the top of the sky scraper to the ground...That sounds like so much fun!
I once did this thing at six flags that is kind of similar. I honestly have no idea how to explain it so I'm not even going to try.
"I feel like I am without substance, without weight." - Tris
I don't know why, but thats my favorite part about doing things like that. The feeling of being weightless and not touching anything but thin air.
Tris begins to realize the camaraderie that is formed between the Dauntless that can only exist when you experience those things together. It's the first time she has really felt eager to be one of them.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Chapter Sixteen
So this chapter was really gruesome and sad. The whole chapter. First of all Al is avoiding his parents because his parents wanted him to join Dauntless. I know weird, right? Considering that his parents are Candor. He doesn't want them to know that he isn't doing well in initiation.
It sucks that he isn't doing well because they get ranked today and four initiates will get cut. Before they head to go see the ranks, Al makes a move on Tris! I think that Al is probably an adorable teddy bear, but I kind of want to see Tris with Four. Anyway, Tris pretty much makes it clear that she doesn't like him like that. :(
Rankings:
"If I want to fight my way to the top ten, I will have to beat them first. I just hope I don't have to betray them in the process." - Tris
I like this quote because I think it helps Tris realize that there is a fine line between competition and betrayal.
I don't think Tris would ever betray her friends, but I guess we never know how we will act when it come to life or death, (Death being factionless).
That night, Tris is startled awake by a piercing scream. She jumps out of bed along with everybody else and they get the lights on as quick as possible. What they find is Edward lying in a pool of his own blood, clutching his face. Sticking out of his eye is a butter knife from the dining hall.
As Tris tries to get help and reassure him, she notices that not all of the initiates are there. Drew and Peter have left the building.
"No one who would want to punish Peter has the authority to, and no one who has the authority to punish him would want to." - Tris
I swear I am going to end up throwing this book at a wall one of these days because of Peter. There is always one person in your life who gets away with everything horrible they do with no consequences. I think I am going to start referring to Peter as Shelby. Wink. Wink. Nudge. Nudge.
Edward is rushed to the infirmary, but the next day, Tris comes back to the dormitory to find Edward and Myra's things cleaned out. Edward was cut because he could no longer continue, and Myra quit because she wouldn't do it without him. They are both factionless now,
The only good thing to come out of this is, because two of them are already gone, Al is safe. For now at least.
It sucks that he isn't doing well because they get ranked today and four initiates will get cut. Before they head to go see the ranks, Al makes a move on Tris! I think that Al is probably an adorable teddy bear, but I kind of want to see Tris with Four. Anyway, Tris pretty much makes it clear that she doesn't like him like that. :(
Rankings:
- Edward
- Peter
- Will
- Christina
- Molly
- Tris
- Drew
- Al
- Myra
"If I want to fight my way to the top ten, I will have to beat them first. I just hope I don't have to betray them in the process." - Tris
I like this quote because I think it helps Tris realize that there is a fine line between competition and betrayal.
I don't think Tris would ever betray her friends, but I guess we never know how we will act when it come to life or death, (Death being factionless).
That night, Tris is startled awake by a piercing scream. She jumps out of bed along with everybody else and they get the lights on as quick as possible. What they find is Edward lying in a pool of his own blood, clutching his face. Sticking out of his eye is a butter knife from the dining hall.
As Tris tries to get help and reassure him, she notices that not all of the initiates are there. Drew and Peter have left the building.
"No one who would want to punish Peter has the authority to, and no one who has the authority to punish him would want to." - Tris
I swear I am going to end up throwing this book at a wall one of these days because of Peter. There is always one person in your life who gets away with everything horrible they do with no consequences. I think I am going to start referring to Peter as Shelby. Wink. Wink. Nudge. Nudge.
Edward is rushed to the infirmary, but the next day, Tris comes back to the dormitory to find Edward and Myra's things cleaned out. Edward was cut because he could no longer continue, and Myra quit because she wouldn't do it without him. They are both factionless now,
The only good thing to come out of this is, because two of them are already gone, Al is safe. For now at least.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Chapter Fifteen
Today is visiting day and Tris doesn't know if her parents will even show up. I would be very surprised if they did, just judging from the looks on their faces after the choosing ceremony.
She walks to the pit and is astonished when she looks down and sees her mother. Her dad didn't come though. He isn't out visiting Caleb either. I guess it makes sense that he didn't come. He was more upset than her mom.
"Tensions between our factions are higher than ever." - Natalie Prior
It sucks though because even if they wanted to visit Caleb they couldn't. The Erudite have prohibited the Abnegation from visiting their compound because relations between those two factions have become hostile.
When Tris introduces her mother to Four, her mom recognizes him for some reason. Four tries dodging the question which makes it seem like he knows her, but doesn't want her to remember who he is.
Will, one of Tris's friends, brings his sister over to meet her and her mother. His sister is a Erudite, so that conversation doesn't go well. Apparently, the Erudite are starving and don't get fresh food for a month, and they blame the Abnegation who feed the factionless.
After this confrontation, Tris's mom led her into some dark alley way. Almost like she knew where she was going. Once they are hidden her mom starts questioning her about her rankings and the fights. Then she asks her what her aptitude test results were. Now I didn't think Tris would tell, but she trusted her mom and told her they were inconclusive.
Her mother says that is common for Abnegation children, but she doesn't know why. She also warns her that she needs to be careful in the next stage of initiation, to not draw attention to herself.
Okay with Tris's track record, I'm pretty sure we can guarantee she will find a way to draw attention to herself.
Her mother then tells her to visit her brother today, since she is Dauntless she will be allowed on their compound. She tells her to have him research the simulation serum. My guess is that is the liquid they have to drink that knocks them out for the Aptitude tests.
"I can't give you a reason why. I'm sorry." - Natalie Prior.
Her mother says a hurried goodbye because she suspects they are already monitoring them by now and leaves as quickly as she came. Now I've already come to this conclusion, but it took Tris up to this point to realize her mother's birth faction.
"My mother was Dauntless." - Tris
She walks to the pit and is astonished when she looks down and sees her mother. Her dad didn't come though. He isn't out visiting Caleb either. I guess it makes sense that he didn't come. He was more upset than her mom.
"Tensions between our factions are higher than ever." - Natalie Prior
It sucks though because even if they wanted to visit Caleb they couldn't. The Erudite have prohibited the Abnegation from visiting their compound because relations between those two factions have become hostile.
When Tris introduces her mother to Four, her mom recognizes him for some reason. Four tries dodging the question which makes it seem like he knows her, but doesn't want her to remember who he is.
Will, one of Tris's friends, brings his sister over to meet her and her mother. His sister is a Erudite, so that conversation doesn't go well. Apparently, the Erudite are starving and don't get fresh food for a month, and they blame the Abnegation who feed the factionless.
After this confrontation, Tris's mom led her into some dark alley way. Almost like she knew where she was going. Once they are hidden her mom starts questioning her about her rankings and the fights. Then she asks her what her aptitude test results were. Now I didn't think Tris would tell, but she trusted her mom and told her they were inconclusive.
Her mother says that is common for Abnegation children, but she doesn't know why. She also warns her that she needs to be careful in the next stage of initiation, to not draw attention to herself.
Okay with Tris's track record, I'm pretty sure we can guarantee she will find a way to draw attention to herself.
Her mother then tells her to visit her brother today, since she is Dauntless she will be allowed on their compound. She tells her to have him research the simulation serum. My guess is that is the liquid they have to drink that knocks them out for the Aptitude tests.
"I can't give you a reason why. I'm sorry." - Natalie Prior.
Her mother says a hurried goodbye because she suspects they are already monitoring them by now and leaves as quickly as she came. Now I've already come to this conclusion, but it took Tris up to this point to realize her mother's birth faction.
"My mother was Dauntless." - Tris
Chapter Fourteen
I feel so bad for Tris. Not only is she already at the bottom of the totem pole coming from Abnegation, but Peter just has to go and make it ten times worse.
Tris is gaining muscle, so the pats she took into the bathroom to wear don't fit any more. She wraps on a towel and goes to grab new ones when Peter yanks it off! I would be humiliated.
"I want to hurt them. I want to, so I will." - Tris
Today in training, Tris is up against Molly, the monster. Close enough to Peter for Tris to be able to get her revenge.
"Some of my anger has faded, but it isn't hard to call back. All I have to think about how cold the air was and how loud the laughter was." - Tris
The match starts and as always, Molly makes the first move. Molly is strong, but Tris is quick. She dodges every strike Molly attempts and soon, Tris is the one attacking.
Molly takes hit after hit until she is on the ground. Tris doesn't let up though. I understand her anger. Molly is bleeding all over, but Tris keeps attacking until Four restrains her. She won the fight.
"I wish I could say I felt guilty for what I did. I don't." - Tris
Tris is gaining muscle, so the pats she took into the bathroom to wear don't fit any more. She wraps on a towel and goes to grab new ones when Peter yanks it off! I would be humiliated.
"I want to hurt them. I want to, so I will." - Tris
Today in training, Tris is up against Molly, the monster. Close enough to Peter for Tris to be able to get her revenge.
"Some of my anger has faded, but it isn't hard to call back. All I have to think about how cold the air was and how loud the laughter was." - Tris
The match starts and as always, Molly makes the first move. Molly is strong, but Tris is quick. She dodges every strike Molly attempts and soon, Tris is the one attacking.
Molly takes hit after hit until she is on the ground. Tris doesn't let up though. I understand her anger. Molly is bleeding all over, but Tris keeps attacking until Four restrains her. She won the fight.
"I wish I could say I felt guilty for what I did. I don't." - Tris
Chapter Thirteen
Today's training is knife throwing. In my opinion, an fun lesson, but it doesn't really end up that way for Tris.
Most of the initiate do fairly well with this lesson and hit the target quickly. Tris is the first person to hit the target, but unfortunately, Al fails to get a knife to even touch the target.
"Well I think you should go get it." - Eric
Eric tells all to go get the knife he threw while the other initiates are throwing theirs. Al refuses and when Eric asks if he is afraid, Al probably could've said something better.
"Of getting stabbed by an airborn knife? Yes, I am!" - Al
Because Al is originally Candor, Honesty is his mistake. Had he just refused, Eric may had accepted it.
Eric orders everybody to leave and for Al to stand in front of a target. Al is supposed to stand there while Four throws knives at him, until he can stop flinching. Furious, Tris yells at Eric to stop, calling him a coward. He tells her that if she doesn't want Al to do it then she can take his place. If she flinches, Al has to go back.
Tris stands in front of the target and Four begins to throw the knives. For some reason, Four is antagonizing her while he throws the knives. The first two barely miss her, but the last one nicks her ear. Tris thinks it was on purpose. Everybody leaves except Four and Tris.
"I'm getting a little tired of waiting for you to catch on." - Four
I wonder why Four says this. Either he wants her to catch on to the fact that he likes her, or catch on to the fact that he wants her to complete initiation, which could still mean he likes her.
Most of the initiate do fairly well with this lesson and hit the target quickly. Tris is the first person to hit the target, but unfortunately, Al fails to get a knife to even touch the target.
"Well I think you should go get it." - Eric
Eric tells all to go get the knife he threw while the other initiates are throwing theirs. Al refuses and when Eric asks if he is afraid, Al probably could've said something better.
"Of getting stabbed by an airborn knife? Yes, I am!" - Al
Because Al is originally Candor, Honesty is his mistake. Had he just refused, Eric may had accepted it.
Eric orders everybody to leave and for Al to stand in front of a target. Al is supposed to stand there while Four throws knives at him, until he can stop flinching. Furious, Tris yells at Eric to stop, calling him a coward. He tells her that if she doesn't want Al to do it then she can take his place. If she flinches, Al has to go back.
Tris stands in front of the target and Four begins to throw the knives. For some reason, Four is antagonizing her while he throws the knives. The first two barely miss her, but the last one nicks her ear. Tris thinks it was on purpose. Everybody leaves except Four and Tris.
"I'm getting a little tired of waiting for you to catch on." - Four
I wonder why Four says this. Either he wants her to catch on to the fact that he likes her, or catch on to the fact that he wants her to complete initiation, which could still mean he likes her.
Chapter Twelve
When the initiate climb into bed, Four and Eric storm in telling them to get out of bed. It's time for a Dauntless initiation tradition. Capture the flag. Paintball edition. I've never played paintball, but this to me would be so much fun!
"Eric is more ruthless than Four, but Four is smarter." - Tris
Four and Eric are the team captains and get to pick the teams. Eric is picking all of the strong and muscular initiates. Four on the other hand is picking the tall and lean initiates. Four realizes that paintball is a game of speed, not brute force.
Both teams get off the train at Navy Pier which is really cool because I have actually ben to Navy Pier, so it is easy for me to visualize where they are playing. Four leads his team, which includes Christina and Tris, down to the ferris wheel.
When they arrive, the team starts to argue about the plan and Four just goes to sit while they waste time. Tris has the clever idea of going to look for the other teams flag by climbing the ferris wheel. Four notices her leave and follows her up.
"I ignore my fear. When I make decisions, I pretend it doesn't exist." - Four
As they climb, Tris realizes Four is afraid of heights which is funny considering he is Dauntless and all. Four doesn't let his fear stop him from making necessary decisions though. Tris spots the flag and they begin descending when one of the bars snaps under her weight.
"The wheel is moving." - Tris
Four ends up leaving her to go turn on the ferris wheel. As it starts to spin, Tris braces herself to jump off before she hits the ground. I cant tell if that would be fun, or horrifying. Maybe a little bit of both.
She luckily makes the jump and informs the other team to split in half. One side goes after the flag and the other will cause a diversion. Tris leads her group to the flag and as the fights break out between teams, Christina tells Tris to let her grab the flag, since Tris is already the hero of the day. Tris lets her an Four's team wins! They showed Eric!
"Pretty smart of you. Like Erudite smart." - Marlene
I like this comment because it hints at her divergence. I love this book, but I feel like it is taking FOREVER to get to the main point of the story. I just can't believe her Divergence hasn't come up a lot yet.
Although, despite her divergence, Tris is really warming up to the Dauntless lifestyle.
"Eric is more ruthless than Four, but Four is smarter." - Tris
Four and Eric are the team captains and get to pick the teams. Eric is picking all of the strong and muscular initiates. Four on the other hand is picking the tall and lean initiates. Four realizes that paintball is a game of speed, not brute force.
Both teams get off the train at Navy Pier which is really cool because I have actually ben to Navy Pier, so it is easy for me to visualize where they are playing. Four leads his team, which includes Christina and Tris, down to the ferris wheel.
When they arrive, the team starts to argue about the plan and Four just goes to sit while they waste time. Tris has the clever idea of going to look for the other teams flag by climbing the ferris wheel. Four notices her leave and follows her up.
"I ignore my fear. When I make decisions, I pretend it doesn't exist." - Four
As they climb, Tris realizes Four is afraid of heights which is funny considering he is Dauntless and all. Four doesn't let his fear stop him from making necessary decisions though. Tris spots the flag and they begin descending when one of the bars snaps under her weight.
"The wheel is moving." - Tris
Four ends up leaving her to go turn on the ferris wheel. As it starts to spin, Tris braces herself to jump off before she hits the ground. I cant tell if that would be fun, or horrifying. Maybe a little bit of both.
She luckily makes the jump and informs the other team to split in half. One side goes after the flag and the other will cause a diversion. Tris leads her group to the flag and as the fights break out between teams, Christina tells Tris to let her grab the flag, since Tris is already the hero of the day. Tris lets her an Four's team wins! They showed Eric!
"Pretty smart of you. Like Erudite smart." - Marlene
I like this comment because it hints at her divergence. I love this book, but I feel like it is taking FOREVER to get to the main point of the story. I just can't believe her Divergence hasn't come up a lot yet.
Although, despite her divergence, Tris is really warming up to the Dauntless lifestyle.
Chapter Eleven
In this chapter travel to the fence guarding the city from the outside (or keeping the city inside). Kind of like border patrol. One of the Dauntless jobs is to guard the fence, so this is part of the initiation training. The Dauntless have limited options for jobs. Other than guarding the fence, they can be a government worker, work in the compound, or supervise the city's security.
"Milling around the other side of the fence are Dauntless guards carrying guns." - Tris
The fence looks like something that lined a WWII concentration camp. It has barbed wire and is at least ten feet high. Nobody really knows what is on the other side.
During the tour of the fence, an Amity truck passes by and Tris sees Robert, a boy who transferred from Abnegation along with Beatrice. The have a quick conversation, even though they aren't supposed to talk with other faction members.
"You could go home you know. I'm sure Abnegation would make an exception for you." - Robert
Robert suggest that Tris go home to Abnegation, but she snaps back that it was her choice to come her and she can handle it.
When Tris comes back to the group, Four is upset with her tendency to make unwise decisions. He brings up her fight with Peter and says that the reason he left during the fight is because it isn't something he wanted to watch.
"Milling around the other side of the fence are Dauntless guards carrying guns." - Tris
The fence looks like something that lined a WWII concentration camp. It has barbed wire and is at least ten feet high. Nobody really knows what is on the other side.
During the tour of the fence, an Amity truck passes by and Tris sees Robert, a boy who transferred from Abnegation along with Beatrice. The have a quick conversation, even though they aren't supposed to talk with other faction members.
"You could go home you know. I'm sure Abnegation would make an exception for you." - Robert
Robert suggest that Tris go home to Abnegation, but she snaps back that it was her choice to come her and she can handle it.
When Tris comes back to the group, Four is upset with her tendency to make unwise decisions. He brings up her fight with Peter and says that the reason he left during the fight is because it isn't something he wanted to watch.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Chapter Ten
Tris wakes up from a nightmare only to see that she is actually in one. Her mattress has been spray painted with the word stiff (a nickname for the Abnegation). It would suck coming from the bottom of the faction totem pole. It makes you an easy target for jerks like Peter.
"Did I do something to you that I'm unaware of?" - Tris
I can really start to notice the tension rising between Tris and Peter. There rivalry is growing more and more heated by the day.
"Are you serious? They're really going to make you fight him?" - Christina
Not only does Peter have it out for Tris, but they are paired up for the fights today as well. Peter is much taller, stronger, and better trained than Tris. I don't see how she will be able to win this fight. My instinct is right. Tris does her best to hold her ground, but Peter ends up knocking her out. Darn, I was really hoping for an underdog win.
Tris wakes up in the Dauntless hospital with minor injuries, but a very fuzzy head. She starts to talk with Al and you almost sense a flirtationship of sorts blooming. At least from Al anyway. Tris quickly decides to herself that she couldn't be interested in somebody so fragile. Aww...there goes my heart.
"And the transfer initiates with forgiving parents will get to see them again too." - Tris
In less then a week, Tris will get the chance to see her family, that is if they even decide to show up. After Tris left them will they feel too betrayed to visit their only daughter?
"Did I do something to you that I'm unaware of?" - Tris
I can really start to notice the tension rising between Tris and Peter. There rivalry is growing more and more heated by the day.
"Are you serious? They're really going to make you fight him?" - Christina
Not only does Peter have it out for Tris, but they are paired up for the fights today as well. Peter is much taller, stronger, and better trained than Tris. I don't see how she will be able to win this fight. My instinct is right. Tris does her best to hold her ground, but Peter ends up knocking her out. Darn, I was really hoping for an underdog win.
Tris wakes up in the Dauntless hospital with minor injuries, but a very fuzzy head. She starts to talk with Al and you almost sense a flirtationship of sorts blooming. At least from Al anyway. Tris quickly decides to herself that she couldn't be interested in somebody so fragile. Aww...there goes my heart.
"And the transfer initiates with forgiving parents will get to see them again too." - Tris
In less then a week, Tris will get the chance to see her family, that is if they even decide to show up. After Tris left them will they feel too betrayed to visit their only daughter?
Chapter Nine
The fights between the initiates start today, but because there were an odd number of initiates, Tris got a pass for the day. All has to fight Will, an Erudite born Dauntless initiate. Al is much bigger and stronger than Will is.
"A brave man acknowledges the strength of others." - Four
Eric says that the fight will end when the other can no longer continue. Four says one may also concede, because a brave man recognizes another's strength, but Eric believes that a brave man never surrenders.
I think I would agree with Four. It takes courage for a person to recognize the strength of others when they know they cannot win. Fighting to the death is more cowardly than to realize that you have been defeated and acknowledge that fact.
Al seems to not want to hurt Will any further since he has shown that he will win anyway, but Eric insists that the fight end. Al takes a final swing and knocks Will out cold, winning the match.
Unfortunately, Christina has to fight a monster of a girl named Molly. I picture Molly looking like the cheesy stereotype of a strong girl. You know like on TV when the have the mole on their cheek and say in a Russian voice "My name is Helga!".
"Stop! Stop! I'm...I'm done." - Christina
Their fight is much more brutal and Christina is bleeding profusely when she concedes. Eric, however is not pleased by this and orders the initiates and Christina to follow him to the river. Eric says that if she can hang over the chasm for five minutes, he will forget her cowardice.
Once in Hawaii, I jumped off a thirty foot rock into the ocean. The thing is, in order to jump off you had to wait until the waves came up just right, otherwise you would hit the sand or rocks below and probably break something. That was one of the scariest things I have ever done, and it pales in comparison to what Christina has to do.
Towards the end of the five minutes Christina nearly falls off, but just barely manages to stay on. When the clock reaches five minutes, Eric tells her she must pull herself back over the ledge. Al jumps to her defense and says she did what he asked and rushes over with Tris to help her up.
In my opinion, Al defying Eric's orders was the bravest act I have seen so far. Eric is a Dauntless leader and standing up to him like that took more courage than jumping of any trains.
"A brave man acknowledges the strength of others." - Four
Eric says that the fight will end when the other can no longer continue. Four says one may also concede, because a brave man recognizes another's strength, but Eric believes that a brave man never surrenders.
I think I would agree with Four. It takes courage for a person to recognize the strength of others when they know they cannot win. Fighting to the death is more cowardly than to realize that you have been defeated and acknowledge that fact.
Al seems to not want to hurt Will any further since he has shown that he will win anyway, but Eric insists that the fight end. Al takes a final swing and knocks Will out cold, winning the match.
Unfortunately, Christina has to fight a monster of a girl named Molly. I picture Molly looking like the cheesy stereotype of a strong girl. You know like on TV when the have the mole on their cheek and say in a Russian voice "My name is Helga!".
"Stop! Stop! I'm...I'm done." - Christina
Their fight is much more brutal and Christina is bleeding profusely when she concedes. Eric, however is not pleased by this and orders the initiates and Christina to follow him to the river. Eric says that if she can hang over the chasm for five minutes, he will forget her cowardice.
Once in Hawaii, I jumped off a thirty foot rock into the ocean. The thing is, in order to jump off you had to wait until the waves came up just right, otherwise you would hit the sand or rocks below and probably break something. That was one of the scariest things I have ever done, and it pales in comparison to what Christina has to do.
Towards the end of the five minutes Christina nearly falls off, but just barely manages to stay on. When the clock reaches five minutes, Eric tells her she must pull herself back over the ledge. Al jumps to her defense and says she did what he asked and rushes over with Tris to help her up.
In my opinion, Al defying Eric's orders was the bravest act I have seen so far. Eric is a Dauntless leader and standing up to him like that took more courage than jumping of any trains.
Chapter Eight
"Wake up. You're holding a loaded gun, you idiot. Act like it." - Four
The first lesson in physical training is how to shoot a gun, which in my opinion would be the best part. Personally, because I'm actually really good at shooting. Four takes this training very seriously, which is good because handling a loaded gun is serious.
"Your Abnegation is showing." - Christina
Tris ends up doing pretty well with the shooting lesson. At lunch, Tris's two friends Christina and Al, also initiates, talk about old times. Tris is still showing some signs of her Abnegation. She should probably get that under control if she wants to fully transform to Dauntless.
The physical lesson is learning to fight. Tris feels pretty good in training when Four comes over and puts his hand on her stomach.
"Never forget to keep tension here." - Four
Do I sense a relationship brewing?
As they head to dinner, Al whips around and says he wants to get a tattoo. I guess impulse tattoos are a Dauntless thing. Before heading to the tattoo parlor, Christina takes Tris to get a Dauntless makeover. When she changes, she openly looks at her reflection for the first time. (Oh yeah, the Abnegation aren't allowed to look at their reflection. Talk about a life full of bad hair days!)
"Beatrice was a girl I saw in stolen moments at the mirror, who kept quiet at the dinner table. This is someone whose eyes claim mine and don't release me; this is Tris." - Tris
Tris loves the transformation. Leaving her Abnegation lifestyle doesn't seem scary anymore. It gives her hope. Personally I think their dark, dangerous attire is pretty awesome.
When they get to the tattoo parlor, Tris hears the familiar voice of Tori right behind her. Tori is a tattoo artist for Dauntless. Tori refuses to talk about Tris's divergent test results again, but does convince Tris to get a tattoo!
The tattoo, of three birds, represents each of the family members she left behind, flying towards her heart.
The first lesson in physical training is how to shoot a gun, which in my opinion would be the best part. Personally, because I'm actually really good at shooting. Four takes this training very seriously, which is good because handling a loaded gun is serious.
"Your Abnegation is showing." - Christina
Tris ends up doing pretty well with the shooting lesson. At lunch, Tris's two friends Christina and Al, also initiates, talk about old times. Tris is still showing some signs of her Abnegation. She should probably get that under control if she wants to fully transform to Dauntless.
The physical lesson is learning to fight. Tris feels pretty good in training when Four comes over and puts his hand on her stomach.
"Never forget to keep tension here." - Four
Do I sense a relationship brewing?
As they head to dinner, Al whips around and says he wants to get a tattoo. I guess impulse tattoos are a Dauntless thing. Before heading to the tattoo parlor, Christina takes Tris to get a Dauntless makeover. When she changes, she openly looks at her reflection for the first time. (Oh yeah, the Abnegation aren't allowed to look at their reflection. Talk about a life full of bad hair days!)
"Beatrice was a girl I saw in stolen moments at the mirror, who kept quiet at the dinner table. This is someone whose eyes claim mine and don't release me; this is Tris." - Tris
Tris loves the transformation. Leaving her Abnegation lifestyle doesn't seem scary anymore. It gives her hope. Personally I think their dark, dangerous attire is pretty awesome.
When they get to the tattoo parlor, Tris hears the familiar voice of Tori right behind her. Tori is a tattoo artist for Dauntless. Tori refuses to talk about Tris's divergent test results again, but does convince Tris to get a tattoo!
The tattoo, of three birds, represents each of the family members she left behind, flying towards her heart.
Chapter Seven
The tour of the Dauntless headquarters begins, and this place seems very cool. The Pit, the central area of the headquarters, seems like the hideout from the movie the Host (for any of you who have seen that). It is basically an underground cavern with tunnels leading to different rooms filled with shops, leisure activity, clothing, supplies, and much more. I could definitley live there.
"The chasm reminds us that there is a fine line between bravery and idiocy!" - Four
One of the features in the Dauntless headquarters is a chasm that falls into a river. On one side, the water is calm, but on the other the white water battles against jagged rocks. It represents that the Dauntless do have boundaries that keep them from doing something senseless.
After the tour the initiates head to dinner, and we find out that Tris has never had a hamburger. Never. Had. A. Hamburger... I now take nothing for granted. Because of the Abnegation lifestyle, anything extravagant is considered self-indulgent.
We are then introduced to Four and Eric. Four, a Dauntless initiate trainer, is eighteen and very attractive. Eric on the other hand, has a very cold and menacing look. He is also eighteen and already a Dauntless leader.
"Age doesn't matter here." - Four
Eric and Four were in the same initiate class. Four was ranked at the top of his class, but he turned down the government position, therefore making Eric next in line. Hence how he got to be a leader at such a young age.
After dinner, Eric continues the tour for the initiates. Training will start immediately and in order for Tris to pass initiation, she must complete all three stages of training. Physical, mental, and emotional. She must also rank in the top ten otherwise, she will have to live factionless. That sucks. Even if you are just as good as the others, only ten are accepted after initiation.
That night, Beatrice falls apart. While she is laying down she can't help herself from thinking about her family. I can't even imagine what a whirlwind that day would've been. Leaving your family, transitioning to a completely new lifestyle, and then being told even if you do well you may not get to stay.
"I will be a member. I will." - Tris
That night, Beatrice falls apart. While she is laying down she can't help herself from thinking about her family. I can't even imagine what a whirlwind that day would've been. Leaving your family, transitioning to a completely new lifestyle, and then being told even if you do well you may not get to stay.
"I will be a member. I will." - Tris
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Chapter Six
Although it was the right decision for her to choose Dauntless, Beatrice has to deal with the shame her family probably feels. She will never get to see them again, unless they decide to come on visiting day. That would be the worst part. Not leaving them, but waiting to see if they actually cared enough to visit you when they get the chance.
Well the Dauntless don't waste any time starting the initiation process. I mean they are rushed onto a speeding train, only to have to leap off of that train on to a building minutes later.
"There is a body on the pavement below us; a girl, her arms and legs bent at awkward angles, her hair spread in a fan around her head." - Beatrice Prior
Unfortunately, one initiate doesn't make the jump. I don't know if I could ever make myself look at that. And the fact that those initiates have to continue doing these feats after watching somebody fall to their deaths really is...well, Dauntless.
The next part of initiation you have to jump off of that building into a hole that leads to the Dauntless headquarters. This part would be so fun! I mean, since you land in a net of course.
Surprisingly, Beatrice is the first of the initiates to jump off the building. I start to notice that the longer she is away from Abnegation, the more her confidence and bravery shows.
"A new place, a new name. I can be remade here." - Beatrice Prior.
When she hits the net at the bottom she is welcomed, and not so welcome, by some of the Dauntless leaders. When asked what her name is, Beatrice doesn't seem right. She is in a new place, as a new person. She decides her name will be Tris.
Since Tris is short for Beatrice, I think this name represents her new transition into Dauntless, while still holding on to part of her Abnegation past.
"Welcome to Dauntless." - Four
Well the Dauntless don't waste any time starting the initiation process. I mean they are rushed onto a speeding train, only to have to leap off of that train on to a building minutes later.
"There is a body on the pavement below us; a girl, her arms and legs bent at awkward angles, her hair spread in a fan around her head." - Beatrice Prior
Unfortunately, one initiate doesn't make the jump. I don't know if I could ever make myself look at that. And the fact that those initiates have to continue doing these feats after watching somebody fall to their deaths really is...well, Dauntless.
The next part of initiation you have to jump off of that building into a hole that leads to the Dauntless headquarters. This part would be so fun! I mean, since you land in a net of course.
Surprisingly, Beatrice is the first of the initiates to jump off the building. I start to notice that the longer she is away from Abnegation, the more her confidence and bravery shows.
"A new place, a new name. I can be remade here." - Beatrice Prior.
When she hits the net at the bottom she is welcomed, and not so welcome, by some of the Dauntless leaders. When asked what her name is, Beatrice doesn't seem right. She is in a new place, as a new person. She decides her name will be Tris.
Since Tris is short for Beatrice, I think this name represents her new transition into Dauntless, while still holding on to part of her Abnegation past.
"Welcome to Dauntless." - Four
Chapter Five
I really love this chapter. The Choosing Ceremony is here and Beatrice has to make her choice. Caleb is in line before Beatrice, so he will go first. There are five bowls representing each faction. In order to choose the faction, you must cut your hand and drip the blood into that bowl...okay dystopian fiction I'm just going to go with it.
Marcus Eaton, an Abnegation leader, is conducting the ceremony this year. I still haven't decided how I feel about Marcus. The speech before the choosing begins tells us how the factions came to be.
"Decades ago our ancestors realized that it is not political ideology, religious belief, race, or nationalism that is to blame for a warring world. Rather, they determined that it was the fault of human personality-of humankind's inclination toward's evil in whatever form that is." - Marcus Eaton
So, because of this, the factions were based off of the qualities they sought to eradicate for causing the pugnacious world. Since there are five factions, wouldn't the qualities one was trying to erase still prevail in the others? Maybe it's just me, but that seems like a flawed plan from the get go. Kind of like the Treaty of Versailles.
Also, the faction motto is faction before blood. Basically you are supposed to choose the faction you belong to, putting that ahead of staying with your family. I'm all for being yourself, and i think you always should, except for the fact that in this case you never get to associate yourself with your family again.
"I think of the motto I read in my Faction History textbook: Faction before blood. More than family, our factions are where we belong. Can that possibly be right?" - Beatrice Prior
Can it?
Caleb goes up and I am expecting him to go to Erudite and that's exactly what he does, although Beatrice is completely taken aback along with the crowd. The Abnegation and Erudite have had a long feud with each other so the fact that Caleb transferred at all let alone to Erudite is appalling to his faction, but most importantly, to his parents.
When Beatrice goes up and her decision I had no clue about, but I am intrigued by how it plays out. You see, she know she is going with either Abnegation or Dauntless, but as she cuts her hand not knowing what to pick, her blood spills between those two bowls as she runs to put it over the Dauntless bowl.
"I am selfish. I am brave." - Beatrice Prior
Ultimately her decision was Dauntless, but I have a feeling that her blood spilling between the two bowls is foreshadowing her true faction.
Divergent.
Marcus Eaton, an Abnegation leader, is conducting the ceremony this year. I still haven't decided how I feel about Marcus. The speech before the choosing begins tells us how the factions came to be.
"Decades ago our ancestors realized that it is not political ideology, religious belief, race, or nationalism that is to blame for a warring world. Rather, they determined that it was the fault of human personality-of humankind's inclination toward's evil in whatever form that is." - Marcus Eaton
So, because of this, the factions were based off of the qualities they sought to eradicate for causing the pugnacious world. Since there are five factions, wouldn't the qualities one was trying to erase still prevail in the others? Maybe it's just me, but that seems like a flawed plan from the get go. Kind of like the Treaty of Versailles.
Also, the faction motto is faction before blood. Basically you are supposed to choose the faction you belong to, putting that ahead of staying with your family. I'm all for being yourself, and i think you always should, except for the fact that in this case you never get to associate yourself with your family again.
"I think of the motto I read in my Faction History textbook: Faction before blood. More than family, our factions are where we belong. Can that possibly be right?" - Beatrice Prior
Can it?
Caleb goes up and I am expecting him to go to Erudite and that's exactly what he does, although Beatrice is completely taken aback along with the crowd. The Abnegation and Erudite have had a long feud with each other so the fact that Caleb transferred at all let alone to Erudite is appalling to his faction, but most importantly, to his parents.
When Beatrice goes up and her decision I had no clue about, but I am intrigued by how it plays out. You see, she know she is going with either Abnegation or Dauntless, but as she cuts her hand not knowing what to pick, her blood spills between those two bowls as she runs to put it over the Dauntless bowl.
"I am selfish. I am brave." - Beatrice Prior
Ultimately her decision was Dauntless, but I have a feeling that her blood spilling between the two bowls is foreshadowing her true faction.
Divergent.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Chapter Four
Beatrice leaves school early and continues to battle with her newly discovered Divergence, especially around her family. Her parents come home and start talking about how there were rumors of an Aptitude test that went wrong. I know that if I was hiding something like that and they started hinting that they knew, I would be freaking out. Beatrice seems to be handling her composure though.
"Because we have something they want. Valuing knowledge above all else results in a lust for power, and that leads the Erudite in to dark and empty places. We should be thankful we know better." - Beatrice's Father
Now, apparently, the Erudite and Abnegation are rival factions. It is also very rare to have Abnegation transfers during the choosing ceremony, because it is seen as betrayal to leave Abnegation for another faction. Especially to the rival, Erudite. When an Abnegation transfers factions, it is never forgotten.
The rivalry between these two factions makes sense to me because if you think of it in modern terms of religion, these two aspects of life contrast the most. Now not all Abnegation are religious like the Prior family, but they follow the closest lifestyle of modern day religions. Today, religion and science battle it out constantly, so it makes sense to see this rivalry in the book.
"We must think of our family. But, we must also think of ourselves." - Caleb Prior
Later that night Caleb gives Beatrice some wise, although not selfless, advice. The fact that Caleb is suggesting they think about themselves is completely against Abnegation values, and when he goes to his room, Beatrice sees a stack of books on his desk. DING! DING! DING! I spy with my little eye a Erudite! This does not register with Beatrice though, as she still believes he is committed to Abnegation.
"Tomorrow, those two qualities will struggle within me, and only one can win." - Beatrice Prior.
Beatrice knows she will not choose Erudite, but tomorrow is the Choosing Ceremony and she must decide. Abnegation or Dauntless.
I have a feeling that her being Divergent will come into play during the Ceremony.
"Because we have something they want. Valuing knowledge above all else results in a lust for power, and that leads the Erudite in to dark and empty places. We should be thankful we know better." - Beatrice's Father
Now, apparently, the Erudite and Abnegation are rival factions. It is also very rare to have Abnegation transfers during the choosing ceremony, because it is seen as betrayal to leave Abnegation for another faction. Especially to the rival, Erudite. When an Abnegation transfers factions, it is never forgotten.
The rivalry between these two factions makes sense to me because if you think of it in modern terms of religion, these two aspects of life contrast the most. Now not all Abnegation are religious like the Prior family, but they follow the closest lifestyle of modern day religions. Today, religion and science battle it out constantly, so it makes sense to see this rivalry in the book.
"We must think of our family. But, we must also think of ourselves." - Caleb Prior
Later that night Caleb gives Beatrice some wise, although not selfless, advice. The fact that Caleb is suggesting they think about themselves is completely against Abnegation values, and when he goes to his room, Beatrice sees a stack of books on his desk. DING! DING! DING! I spy with my little eye a Erudite! This does not register with Beatrice though, as she still believes he is committed to Abnegation.
"Tomorrow, those two qualities will struggle within me, and only one can win." - Beatrice Prior.
Beatrice knows she will not choose Erudite, but tomorrow is the Choosing Ceremony and she must decide. Abnegation or Dauntless.
I have a feeling that her being Divergent will come into play during the Ceremony.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Chapter Three
"That, was perplexing." - Tori
Beatrice finished the terrifying exam and she wakes up only to be told by Tori, her test adminstrator, that her results were...perplexing. Well if during a test I was being yelled at, almost attacked by a vicious dog, and cornered at by some creepy man screaming that I knew a murderer, you bet your bottom dollar my results would've been perplexing too!
It races to Beatrice's head that she must be Factionless. The Factionless are outcasts and exiled from the community. She can't live a life like that. But then she finds out that she showed characteristics of multiple factions; Abnegation, Dauntless, and Erudite.
"People who get these kinds of results are... Divergent." - Tori
Beatrice Prior, is Divergent. Which to me seems pretty cool. I mean you get to have your cake and eat it too! But apparently not in this world. Divergence is very dangerous. Why? Undetermined at this time, but Beatrice is strongly warned to never share the results of her test. Can she really keep a secret that huge for the rest of her life? And how will she be able to choose one lifestyle if she belongs in three?
"The tests don't have to change our choices." - Beatrice Prior
Regardless of her test results, tomorrow at the Choosing Ceremony, Beatrice will have to decide the fate of her life. Forever.
"It's my choice now, no matter what the test says. Abnegation, Dauntless, Erudite.
Divergent." - Beatrice Prior
Beatrice finished the terrifying exam and she wakes up only to be told by Tori, her test adminstrator, that her results were...perplexing. Well if during a test I was being yelled at, almost attacked by a vicious dog, and cornered at by some creepy man screaming that I knew a murderer, you bet your bottom dollar my results would've been perplexing too!
It races to Beatrice's head that she must be Factionless. The Factionless are outcasts and exiled from the community. She can't live a life like that. But then she finds out that she showed characteristics of multiple factions; Abnegation, Dauntless, and Erudite.
"People who get these kinds of results are... Divergent." - Tori
Beatrice Prior, is Divergent. Which to me seems pretty cool. I mean you get to have your cake and eat it too! But apparently not in this world. Divergence is very dangerous. Why? Undetermined at this time, but Beatrice is strongly warned to never share the results of her test. Can she really keep a secret that huge for the rest of her life? And how will she be able to choose one lifestyle if she belongs in three?
"The tests don't have to change our choices." - Beatrice Prior
Regardless of her test results, tomorrow at the Choosing Ceremony, Beatrice will have to decide the fate of her life. Forever.
"It's my choice now, no matter what the test says. Abnegation, Dauntless, Erudite.
Divergent." - Beatrice Prior
Chapter Two
You really start to notice the segregation of Factions in this chapter. All of the Factions barely even acknowledge each others presence. During lunch they are all colonized at separate tables that are grouped by Faction.
We also get a lot more information about the other Factions and their practices. Along with Candor, Abnegation, and Dauntless we have Amity, and Erudite.
Amity seems to strive for peace, tranquility, and overall happiness in life. They are kind, yet sometimes indecisive people. Erudite is all about seeking knowledge of everything. They are intelligent people who try solving things with logic rather than emotion.
Being this far into the book I still can't decide which Faction I think would best suit Beatrice, but as it is only chapter two, we still have a lot more information to gain.
"It looks like a place where terrible things happen." - Beatrice Prior
Imagine the worst test ever. You don't know what's in it, you don't know how long or difficult it will be, and you don't get to prepare. There my friends is the Aptitude test. Oh, and did I mention you get to take it one on one in this creepy dentist chair with wires attached to your face? Hmm...sounds like fun!
So, Beatrice goes to take the test and it is almost like the exam is in a virtual reality chamber. There are certain situations that you are placed in and they way you react determines your faction. It's almost like Hunger Games meets Tron.
Right off the bat you recognize that Beatrice's actions aren't normal for an Abnegation. Uh Oh. And the chapter ends with her being put in a situation where she lies to a man even if telling the truth could save his life.
"Just do what you're supposed to do." - Caleb Prior
A bit of a strange place to end the chapter, but I found that her response to that situation was even stranger. If she were fit to be in Abnegation, she wouldn't have lied. Yet, this was her reply. This begs the question that if she wanted to stay with her family, why wouldn't she just "Do what she was supposed to do?"
I don't see any clear path towards a specific Faction yet.
We also get a lot more information about the other Factions and their practices. Along with Candor, Abnegation, and Dauntless we have Amity, and Erudite.
Amity seems to strive for peace, tranquility, and overall happiness in life. They are kind, yet sometimes indecisive people. Erudite is all about seeking knowledge of everything. They are intelligent people who try solving things with logic rather than emotion.
Being this far into the book I still can't decide which Faction I think would best suit Beatrice, but as it is only chapter two, we still have a lot more information to gain.
"It looks like a place where terrible things happen." - Beatrice Prior
Imagine the worst test ever. You don't know what's in it, you don't know how long or difficult it will be, and you don't get to prepare. There my friends is the Aptitude test. Oh, and did I mention you get to take it one on one in this creepy dentist chair with wires attached to your face? Hmm...sounds like fun!
So, Beatrice goes to take the test and it is almost like the exam is in a virtual reality chamber. There are certain situations that you are placed in and they way you react determines your faction. It's almost like Hunger Games meets Tron.
Right off the bat you recognize that Beatrice's actions aren't normal for an Abnegation. Uh Oh. And the chapter ends with her being put in a situation where she lies to a man even if telling the truth could save his life.
"Just do what you're supposed to do." - Caleb Prior
A bit of a strange place to end the chapter, but I found that her response to that situation was even stranger. If she were fit to be in Abnegation, she wouldn't have lied. Yet, this was her reply. This begs the question that if she wanted to stay with her family, why wouldn't she just "Do what she was supposed to do?"
I don't see any clear path towards a specific Faction yet.
Chapter One
The first chapter of the book is short, sweet, and to the point about the life of the narrator, Beatrice Prior.
"Candor values honesty, but our Faction, Abnegation, values selflessness." - Beatrice Prior
She was born into the faction of Abnegation and has followed this lifestyle for 16 years. The Abnegation believe in complete and total selflessness, which I agree with, just maybe not to the extent that they take it.
Beatrice has a brother, Caleb Prior, who has always fit into the lifestyle of an Abnegation. I like the way that he fits in to his family and Beatrice has a harder time conforming to their values. It makes the book easy to connect with, especially for people experiencing the same thing.
"One choice can transform you." - Veronica Roth
Today is the day of the Aptitude tests. This determines what Faction they will forever live the rest of their lives in. You get a quick glance at some of the other Factions including Candor and Dauntless, but not a lot of information is revealed yet.
The Candor value honesty and see truth as clearly as black and white. The Dauntless value courage, bravery, and fortitude.
I like that you get to see how Beatrice almost yearns to be with the other Factions. She even has a daily ritual of watching the Dauntless arrive to school, leaping off the moving train in a feat of agility, strength, and guts.
I am curious to see how the Aptitude test turns out for her.
"Candor values honesty, but our Faction, Abnegation, values selflessness." - Beatrice Prior
She was born into the faction of Abnegation and has followed this lifestyle for 16 years. The Abnegation believe in complete and total selflessness, which I agree with, just maybe not to the extent that they take it.
Beatrice has a brother, Caleb Prior, who has always fit into the lifestyle of an Abnegation. I like the way that he fits in to his family and Beatrice has a harder time conforming to their values. It makes the book easy to connect with, especially for people experiencing the same thing.
"One choice can transform you." - Veronica Roth
Today is the day of the Aptitude tests. This determines what Faction they will forever live the rest of their lives in. You get a quick glance at some of the other Factions including Candor and Dauntless, but not a lot of information is revealed yet.
The Candor value honesty and see truth as clearly as black and white. The Dauntless value courage, bravery, and fortitude.
I like that you get to see how Beatrice almost yearns to be with the other Factions. She even has a daily ritual of watching the Dauntless arrive to school, leaping off the moving train in a feat of agility, strength, and guts.
I am curious to see how the Aptitude test turns out for her.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)