DIVERGENT
Chapters 1-4
Chapter 1
1. What is the Abnegation faction allowed to do on the second day of every third month?
The Abnegation faction is allowed to look in the mirror, which coincides with the time
Beatrice gets a haircut.
2. Describe Beatrice.
Beatrice has blond hair and a narrow face. She has wide, round eyes and a long thin
nose. Beatrice does not yet portray as a woman as she still looks young.
3. What building found in the heart of the city is called the Hub? (What is the setting of the novel?)
The Sears Tower is at the heart of the city. With this knowledge, the reader can infer that
the setting of the novel is Chicago.
4. At what age do the children of each faction participate in the Choosing Ceremony?
The children partake in the Choosing Ceremony at age 16.
5. What purpose does the aptitude test serve?
In essence, the aptitude test gauges each person’s character to determine which faction
he/she has a bent.
6. How have other factions been treating Abnegation? Why?
The other factions are treating Abnegation poorly because the Erudite faction has been
releasing antagonistic reports.
7. Why might Beatrice watch members of the Dauntless faction so intently?
Subconsciously, Beatrice admires the Dauntless faction.
Chapter 2
8. Who administers the aptitude test (Which faction(s))? (Why is the test not administered solely
by the Abnegation faction?)
The Abnegation faction administers the aptitude test in most cases; however, by rule
Abnegation may not test its own faction members. Therefore, Abnegation candidates
must have the test administered by another faction.
9. Which faction does Beatrice believe is appropriate for Caleb? Why?
Beatrice believes Caleb is best fit for Abnegation because selflessness seems to come
naturally and easily to him.
10. Why does Beatrice feel she does not belong to Abnegation?
Beatrice does not believe Abnegation best fits her because selflessness does not come
naturally to her.
11. Describe the dual meaning of Tori’s tattoo?
As the hawk in some parts of the world represents the sun, Tori believed the sun would
help her with her fear of the dark. The tattoo of “a black-and-white hawk with a red eye”
now symbolizes the fear she has overcome.
12. Summarize the following components of the aptitude test:
a. The Baskets- participants must choose between cheese or a knife. Beatrice does not
choose.
b. The Dog- snarling and ready to attack, Beatrice acts in a non-aggressive manner until
the dog becomes friendly.
c. The Little Girl- the dog becomes vicious and attacks the little girl. Beatrice dives on the
girl to protect her.
d.
“Waking Up”- Beatrice “wakes up” in the testing room.
e. The Bus- When Beatrice leaves the testing room and enters the hallway; the hallway is
actually a bus.
f.
The Man- A man on the bus repeatedly asks Beatrice if she knows the murderer pictured
in the newspaper.
13. Are Caleb and Beatrice permitted to share the results of their aptitude tests?
No, candidates are not permitted to discuss their aptitude tests.
Chapter 3
14. State a theme using the following quote: “Without a faction, we have no purpose and no reason
to live.”
Each person has a purpose in life. Having a faction allows each person to have an
identity.
15. Upon completion of the aptitude test, what instruction does Beatrice receive?
Beatrice is told to go home.
16. Based on the test results, summarize which faction(s) Beatrice’s aptitude favors or does not
favor? Why?
a. Abnegation- Favors: Beatrice acted selfless when she throws herself on the dog.
b. Amity- Does Not Favor: Beatrice did not choose the cheese.
c. Candor- Does Not favor: Beatrice lies to the man on the bus.
d. Dauntless- Favors: Beatrice does not run from the dog.
e. Erudite- Favors: Beatrice uses logic or knowledge to act in a submissive manner
regarding the dog.
17. What name is given to people who belong to more than one faction?
Those candidates who have an aptitude for more than one faction are Divergent.
18. Why is it safe for Beatrice to walk in the middle of the street during her trip home?
There are very few cars, and passing buses drive closely to the curbs.
19. What ramification does choosing a different faction carry?
Choosing a different faction means that candidates are deserting their family. This
means abandoning the values taught by your family and adopting those of the chosen
faction.
20. Define factionless according to Beatrice.
The factionless are those who failed faction initiation.
21. How does one become factionless? Where do the factionless work and live?
A person becomes factionless by failing to successfully complete initiation. They live in
poverty, doing jobs that no one else wants. They receive food and clothing for
performing their duties.
22. What importance, if any, does the dialogue between the factionless man and Beatrice have?
This simple statement serves as an ominous warning foreshadowing Beatrice’s decision.
Chapter 4
23. Are Abnegation allowed to wear jewelry? (If yes, what type? If no, why?)
Yes, Abnegation members are permitted to wear a watch because it is practical.
24. Describe Beatrice’s mother and father.
Beatrice’s father is a council member and overly opinionated, but he is portrayed as very
loving. Her mother is subservient and manages city improvement projects.
25. What faction is chosen primarily to serve on the Council of 50? Why?
Since the Abnegation faction is believed to be incorruptible, they are chosen to serve on
the Council of 50.
26. Explain the following quote: “We must think of our family, but we must also think of ourselves.”
Caleb tells this to Beatrice as he closes his door, prior to the Choosing Ceremony. The
fact that Caleb mentions they must think about themselves, being selfish, hints at his
forsaking of Abnegation.
27. What does the report released by Jeanine Mathews concern?
The report attacks Marcus’s character, accusing him of violence and cruelty toward his
son. Tobias’s “betrayal” and selecting another faction further confirms the accusations.