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
Monday, April 29, 2013
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)