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.