The fighting continues, but today it is combat with a real person. Since there are an odd number of faction transfer initiates, one of them won't have a partner to fight today. Who better to be that person than Tris? She engages in a conversation with Christina and realizes how much she appreciates having an actual friend. Christina explains what she knows about Molly, Peter, and Drew, tells Tris her feelings on them. She hates them. I understand why though.. They aren't the most lovable group of people.
The first to fight are Will and Al. I had the same reaction as Tris, in which I was uncomfortable with their fighting, especially because they had no reason to be angry with each other. Hurting someone for no reason isn't really brave, but I guess they are just doing what they have to for initiation. The fight goes until someone is unable to continue. This person ends up being Will. I can almost feel the guilt that Al displays. I can tell he is comfortable hurting his own friend. Christina is next to fight and I can only imagine what is going to happen. Molly is nearly twice her size in terms of muscular build. The fact that Tris has to sit on the side and watch sickens me a little.
Christina puts up quite a fight against Molly but after being kicked in the rib cage, she has had enough. She calls out, surrendering. This is a big mistake. Eric takes matters into his own hands now. I am betting things will turn out just peachy, seeing as he is the one in charge. Next thing I know, the are at the chasm and Eric is telling Christina in order to redeem herself, she has to hang over the edge for five minutes. There are too many close calls for me and as I was reading I could feel myself holding my breath. Finally after her five minutes are up, Al hurries to help Christina up. Eric of course has to have the last word and tells Al that Christina is to do it herself. To that, Al responds with a snappy remark, saying Eric said Christina only had to hang for five minutes and that he never mentioned not being able to accept help after her five minutes were up. I cheered for Al, but I was also afraid that he was overstepping his boundaries with Eric. Feeling courageous thanks to Al, Tris comes to Christina's rescue as well, and the three have created a new bond.
"If he had yelled, I would have known that the yelling was the worst he planned to do. But his voice is quiet and his words precise."
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Chapter 8
Training begins today. The initiates first task? Learning to fire a gun. Four is leading the activity, and presents a flawless demonstration, his bullet piercing straight through the center of the target. Tris takes a shot (literally!) but can't seem to get it right. After receiving some sass about her accuracy issues from Will, she focuses more intently and finally hits the edge of the target. Once her bullet strikes the target, she feels a sense of power. This scared me when I first read it, since I was thinking she was going down the mental path of a violence obsessed lunatic.
At lunch, idle conversation lulls Tris into a daydream until she is interrupted by Christina's blabbermouth. Don't get me wrong, I like Christina, but she doesn't know when to keep her mouth closed. However, from the conversation Tris gains insight about some of the other factions and initiates from those factions. At first I was overwhelmed by all of the details at once, but I figured that if there was something extremely important to take note of for a later part of the book, this conversation would be emphasized more than it was.
The next test is hand to hand combat. Today is merely used for practice however. Four gives demonstrations, but pays focuses on Tris, giving her advice to improve her fighting strategy. I think he likes her. Either that or he has a special hatred for the others. He certainly is paying a lot of attention to her. She doesn't mind it either. I sense a fling.
After dinner, the day is theirs to do with what they please, so Tris, Christina, Will, and Al explore the pit. They head on over to a tattoo parlor because Al makes the impulsive decision to get himself some ink. Before Tris and Christina meet the boys there though, they make their way to a clothing store so Christina can work her magic on Tris's wardrobe. A new look for a new person, right?
Back in the tattoo parlor, Tris finds herself admiring the bird tattoo designs that are displayed on the wall. Shortly after a raven design catches her eye, she hears a voice mention it. Who ever could it be other than Tori, the Dauntless woman who gave Tris her aptitude test! Tris is filled with the hope that she may have found the one person she can discuss her divergence with, but Tori bursts that bubble quickly. Even though she is discouraged, Tris still decides to continue talking to Tori. She is convinced to get a tattoo on her collarbone of three birds flying toward her heart. One bird for each of the family members she left behind.
"This is someone whose eyes claim mine and don't release me; this is Tris."
At lunch, idle conversation lulls Tris into a daydream until she is interrupted by Christina's blabbermouth. Don't get me wrong, I like Christina, but she doesn't know when to keep her mouth closed. However, from the conversation Tris gains insight about some of the other factions and initiates from those factions. At first I was overwhelmed by all of the details at once, but I figured that if there was something extremely important to take note of for a later part of the book, this conversation would be emphasized more than it was.
The next test is hand to hand combat. Today is merely used for practice however. Four gives demonstrations, but pays focuses on Tris, giving her advice to improve her fighting strategy. I think he likes her. Either that or he has a special hatred for the others. He certainly is paying a lot of attention to her. She doesn't mind it either. I sense a fling.
After dinner, the day is theirs to do with what they please, so Tris, Christina, Will, and Al explore the pit. They head on over to a tattoo parlor because Al makes the impulsive decision to get himself some ink. Before Tris and Christina meet the boys there though, they make their way to a clothing store so Christina can work her magic on Tris's wardrobe. A new look for a new person, right?
Back in the tattoo parlor, Tris finds herself admiring the bird tattoo designs that are displayed on the wall. Shortly after a raven design catches her eye, she hears a voice mention it. Who ever could it be other than Tori, the Dauntless woman who gave Tris her aptitude test! Tris is filled with the hope that she may have found the one person she can discuss her divergence with, but Tori bursts that bubble quickly. Even though she is discouraged, Tris still decides to continue talking to Tori. She is convinced to get a tattoo on her collarbone of three birds flying toward her heart. One bird for each of the family members she left behind.
"This is someone whose eyes claim mine and don't release me; this is Tris."
Chapter 7
She has taken the first few steps of becoming Dauntless, but Tris is in for so much more. She follows Four for a tour of the Dauntless compound, observing every little detail she has the chance to. So far I like Four. He is giving off good vibes and I feel like he is probably pretty attractive, which is a plus! He is stern, but he hasn't let the power get to his head.
Once entering the Pit, the name begins to make sense. The underground cavern captivates all of the faction transfers, each taking in their own view of what will become their new home. From the stone walls and stores built in to them, not to mention the much to narrow walkways without railings, Tris knows she is in for an adventure. Even though the scenery was mentioned, I wish that more detail was put into describing the Pit. Tris notices the people of Dauntless and brings up the lack of elderly Dauntless members. I agree with her guess that they are most likely unable to leap on and off trains after a certain age.
Once their tour is over, the group heads to the dining room. I'm not sure why, but they way it was described reminded me of the scene in Harry Potter when they enter the dining room of Hogwarts. Anyhow, because of Tris's background, hamburgers and other foods that aren't considered plain are still a mystery to her. Before too much longer, Eric enters the room. I don't like him. He hasn't even said anything yet, but he is bad news. I can tell. Once he starts talking to Four, my suspicions are proven to be true. Eric is a jerk. Once Eric leaves, I almost feel relieved. The tension that invaded the conversation has dissipated and now Tris can continue chatting with Four. Their conversation develops a flirty type of tension. What was that? I said he was attractive before. My sinking suspicions are becoming a reality!(;
Christina and Tris stick together, as they were before, but unfortunately now Eric is leading the pack. Great. He lays out ground rules and explains that only ten of the initiates will go on to become members of the Dauntless faction, and they will be chosen by ranking. Those who don't become members are to live factionless. This sounds completely cruel to me, but it might just be because Eric is explaining it. Have I mentioned I don't like him?
Once lying in bed in the dormitory, Tris thinks back to her family. She is homesick and guilty, but she wills herself not to cry. Through her suppressed emotions, she hears someone trying to stifle sobs, and realizes it is the boy in the bunk next to hers. She is stuck between feeling that she should help him, and being disgusted by his pitiful cries. She decides the best option is to keep to herself.
"But instead of crying, like the Erudite girl, I feel colder. Harder. I will become a member. I will."
Once entering the Pit, the name begins to make sense. The underground cavern captivates all of the faction transfers, each taking in their own view of what will become their new home. From the stone walls and stores built in to them, not to mention the much to narrow walkways without railings, Tris knows she is in for an adventure. Even though the scenery was mentioned, I wish that more detail was put into describing the Pit. Tris notices the people of Dauntless and brings up the lack of elderly Dauntless members. I agree with her guess that they are most likely unable to leap on and off trains after a certain age.
Once their tour is over, the group heads to the dining room. I'm not sure why, but they way it was described reminded me of the scene in Harry Potter when they enter the dining room of Hogwarts. Anyhow, because of Tris's background, hamburgers and other foods that aren't considered plain are still a mystery to her. Before too much longer, Eric enters the room. I don't like him. He hasn't even said anything yet, but he is bad news. I can tell. Once he starts talking to Four, my suspicions are proven to be true. Eric is a jerk. Once Eric leaves, I almost feel relieved. The tension that invaded the conversation has dissipated and now Tris can continue chatting with Four. Their conversation develops a flirty type of tension. What was that? I said he was attractive before. My sinking suspicions are becoming a reality!(;
Christina and Tris stick together, as they were before, but unfortunately now Eric is leading the pack. Great. He lays out ground rules and explains that only ten of the initiates will go on to become members of the Dauntless faction, and they will be chosen by ranking. Those who don't become members are to live factionless. This sounds completely cruel to me, but it might just be because Eric is explaining it. Have I mentioned I don't like him?
Once lying in bed in the dormitory, Tris thinks back to her family. She is homesick and guilty, but she wills herself not to cry. Through her suppressed emotions, she hears someone trying to stifle sobs, and realizes it is the boy in the bunk next to hers. She is stuck between feeling that she should help him, and being disgusted by his pitiful cries. She decides the best option is to keep to herself.
"But instead of crying, like the Erudite girl, I feel colder. Harder. I will become a member. I will."
Chapter 6
Her decision has been made and now it is time for Beatrice to join the faction she chose. She takes one last glance of her parents and receives a look that could kill from her father. This made me very angry with him because she obviously already felt bad about leaving her family, and then he had to go and be a jerk about it. But more surprising to me, her mother gave her a smile.
The nervousness is something all the initiates share as they walk together. Beatrice has to run to catch up, but she recalls her fondness of running, an activity she wasn't allowed to do in her home faction. Watching the Dauntless every morning lets her know what is next. They must board the train. Some aren't lucky, and didn't make it to the train. They are factionless now, she thinks. She barely makes it, being hoisted into the car at the last second after she jumped. The helping hand belongs to Christina, a girl who was Candor born. Once the commotion settles, Beatrice's mind wanders back to her home and family. She wonders how Caleb was such a good liar, and I wonder the same thing. Before she can think for too long though, some shouts, "They're jumping off!"
Beatrice and Christina grab each other's hands for the strength to leap from the train to a rooftop seven stories above the ground. Thankfully, they both make it alive. Some minor injuries resulted, but nothing worse than what happened to some. Below the initiates who made the leap successfully lays a motionless body, twisted at odd angles. The description gave me a sickly feeling in my stomach. Beatrice isn't the most comfortable with the situation, but forces herself to accept the fact that this is what happens in Dauntless.
Just as soon as she thinks it is over, Beatrice is in for yet another leap of faith. Literally. The initiates are instructed to leap off the rooftop into an entrance to the Dauntless compound. Without knowing what awaits her, Beatrice is the first to push herself to the edge and with a flash of bravery, take the leap. She is shocked when she hits something solid, and laughs when she realizes she is in a net. I don't know how she make herself leap off of a building without knowing what was at the bottom. But her bravery doesn't go unnoticed. "First jumper--Tris!"
"Four sets his hand on my back and says, 'Welcome to Dauntless.'"
The nervousness is something all the initiates share as they walk together. Beatrice has to run to catch up, but she recalls her fondness of running, an activity she wasn't allowed to do in her home faction. Watching the Dauntless every morning lets her know what is next. They must board the train. Some aren't lucky, and didn't make it to the train. They are factionless now, she thinks. She barely makes it, being hoisted into the car at the last second after she jumped. The helping hand belongs to Christina, a girl who was Candor born. Once the commotion settles, Beatrice's mind wanders back to her home and family. She wonders how Caleb was such a good liar, and I wonder the same thing. Before she can think for too long though, some shouts, "They're jumping off!"
Beatrice and Christina grab each other's hands for the strength to leap from the train to a rooftop seven stories above the ground. Thankfully, they both make it alive. Some minor injuries resulted, but nothing worse than what happened to some. Below the initiates who made the leap successfully lays a motionless body, twisted at odd angles. The description gave me a sickly feeling in my stomach. Beatrice isn't the most comfortable with the situation, but forces herself to accept the fact that this is what happens in Dauntless.
Just as soon as she thinks it is over, Beatrice is in for yet another leap of faith. Literally. The initiates are instructed to leap off the rooftop into an entrance to the Dauntless compound. Without knowing what awaits her, Beatrice is the first to push herself to the edge and with a flash of bravery, take the leap. She is shocked when she hits something solid, and laughs when she realizes she is in a net. I don't know how she make herself leap off of a building without knowing what was at the bottom. But her bravery doesn't go unnoticed. "First jumper--Tris!"
"Four sets his hand on my back and says, 'Welcome to Dauntless.'"
Monday, April 29, 2013
Chapter 5
CHOOSING CEREMONY DAY! Tension is so heavy in the air it covers the town like a thick fog. Caleb is calm as he follows his parents off the bus. Beatrice can only expect this from him. She merely keeps up the best that she can. This can be difficult though, especially when she is forced to give up a spot on the elevator and trudge up twenty flights of stairs, all thanks to her selfless father. At this point, Abnegation isn't seeming too appealing to me.
The outtermost circle is made of the sixteen-year-old's awaiting the choice that will forever change their life. The next circle is for family members and others from the factions that come to watch. The last circle is made of five metal bowls, each containing something to represent a different faction: gray stones for Abnegation; water for Erudite; earth for Amity; coals for Dauntless; and glass for Candor. The Ceremony leader this year is Marcus. Funny how he comes up again? I feel like he is going to be important later on.. But that's just a hunch.
Marcus kicks off the ceremony with a speech of how the factions came to be. To make a long story short, each faction blames a different aspect of human personality for the disarray within the world. Abnegation blamed greed; Erudite blamed ignorance; Amity blamed aggression; Dauntless blamed cowardice; and Candor blamed deceit. People joined the faction their beliefs coincided with. The purpose of the factions was to rid the world of the terrible trait. The factions have become the most important part of life. "Faction before blood." Seems a little life a crazy cult to me.
Finally, one by one, every sixteen-year-old is called, in reverse alphabetical order, and makes their way to Marcus. He hands them a knife and they cut their hand so they may let their blood drip in the bowl of the faction they choose. Like I said. Cult. As she watches those before her make their choice, Beatrice only becomes more and more nervous. Caleb squeezes her hand once more before it is his turn to make a decision. He will cut his hand and his blood will drip upon the gray stones of Abnegation. But wait. PLOT TWIST. He chooses Erudite. Bam. Didn't see that coming did you? I certainly didn't. My mouth was gaping open for a while after I read it.
Anyway, back to the drama and seriousness. Beatrice's name is called and she finds herself with the knife in her hands. This is the moment her entire life depends on. She drags the blade across her hand, and without even meaning to it seems, her blood sizzles upon the hot coals. Dauntless.
"I am selfish. I am brave."
The outtermost circle is made of the sixteen-year-old's awaiting the choice that will forever change their life. The next circle is for family members and others from the factions that come to watch. The last circle is made of five metal bowls, each containing something to represent a different faction: gray stones for Abnegation; water for Erudite; earth for Amity; coals for Dauntless; and glass for Candor. The Ceremony leader this year is Marcus. Funny how he comes up again? I feel like he is going to be important later on.. But that's just a hunch.
Marcus kicks off the ceremony with a speech of how the factions came to be. To make a long story short, each faction blames a different aspect of human personality for the disarray within the world. Abnegation blamed greed; Erudite blamed ignorance; Amity blamed aggression; Dauntless blamed cowardice; and Candor blamed deceit. People joined the faction their beliefs coincided with. The purpose of the factions was to rid the world of the terrible trait. The factions have become the most important part of life. "Faction before blood." Seems a little life a crazy cult to me.
Finally, one by one, every sixteen-year-old is called, in reverse alphabetical order, and makes their way to Marcus. He hands them a knife and they cut their hand so they may let their blood drip in the bowl of the faction they choose. Like I said. Cult. As she watches those before her make their choice, Beatrice only becomes more and more nervous. Caleb squeezes her hand once more before it is his turn to make a decision. He will cut his hand and his blood will drip upon the gray stones of Abnegation. But wait. PLOT TWIST. He chooses Erudite. Bam. Didn't see that coming did you? I certainly didn't. My mouth was gaping open for a while after I read it.
Anyway, back to the drama and seriousness. Beatrice's name is called and she finds herself with the knife in her hands. This is the moment her entire life depends on. She drags the blade across her hand, and without even meaning to it seems, her blood sizzles upon the hot coals. Dauntless.
"I am selfish. I am brave."
Chapter 4
Everything in Abnegation is the same. From the simple haircuts and plain gray clothing, to the gray cement houses and dull metal mailboxes. It is all a technique the Abnegation believe will help them to forget about themselves, and to help protect themselves from greed. "If we have little, and want for little, we are all equal, we envy no one." Personally, I don't agree with this. I believe that no matter how equal you try to make everyone, people will find something to be jealous of. It is in human nature.
Caleb returns home shortly after Beatrice and asks her what happened. Of course she has to lie, and then tries desperately to change the subject to something that the focus is not herself. She is a bystander to the rest of the conversation, and is witness to Caleb and Susan's flirting, which made me really uncomfortable for some reason. Probably because of the fact that Robert and Beatrice are just kind of on the side of it all. However, without the neighbors being used as a distraction, Caleb stabs for the truth. Beatrice, unwilling to give him what he wants, makes him promise to keep things quiet.
Once their parents arrive home, Beatrice and Caleb are forced to talk about the test, once again. Like it hasn't come up enough already today? Their mother mentions that there was something wrong with one of the tests, and Beatrice knows it was hers, but she is forced to keep her mouth shut. Thankfully, Caleb does the same, and holds true to his promise.
Once at the table, the conversation shifts to their father's stressful day of work. He admits that it was Marcus who really had a tough day, and that he was merely taking it upon himself. Typical Abnegation behavior, right? Through his explanation, Mr. Prior unveils the conflict between Erudite and Abnegation. A reporter from Erudite stabs at Marcus's past; how his son betrayed him and left Abnegation for Dauntless. Personally, I can't even begin to understand how difficult the decision of choosing a faction must be, especially after hearing Marcus's situation. Beatrice's curiosity gets her into trouble at the dinner table and she realizes that she couldn't pick Erudite. So, she now has two factions to choose from: Abnegation, her birth faction, and Dauntless, the fearless.
An unexpected comment from Caleb triggers Beatrice's nerves again and she is up thinking about her life changing decision once again.
"We should think of our family. But. But we must also think of ourselves."
Caleb returns home shortly after Beatrice and asks her what happened. Of course she has to lie, and then tries desperately to change the subject to something that the focus is not herself. She is a bystander to the rest of the conversation, and is witness to Caleb and Susan's flirting, which made me really uncomfortable for some reason. Probably because of the fact that Robert and Beatrice are just kind of on the side of it all. However, without the neighbors being used as a distraction, Caleb stabs for the truth. Beatrice, unwilling to give him what he wants, makes him promise to keep things quiet.
Once their parents arrive home, Beatrice and Caleb are forced to talk about the test, once again. Like it hasn't come up enough already today? Their mother mentions that there was something wrong with one of the tests, and Beatrice knows it was hers, but she is forced to keep her mouth shut. Thankfully, Caleb does the same, and holds true to his promise.
Once at the table, the conversation shifts to their father's stressful day of work. He admits that it was Marcus who really had a tough day, and that he was merely taking it upon himself. Typical Abnegation behavior, right? Through his explanation, Mr. Prior unveils the conflict between Erudite and Abnegation. A reporter from Erudite stabs at Marcus's past; how his son betrayed him and left Abnegation for Dauntless. Personally, I can't even begin to understand how difficult the decision of choosing a faction must be, especially after hearing Marcus's situation. Beatrice's curiosity gets her into trouble at the dinner table and she realizes that she couldn't pick Erudite. So, she now has two factions to choose from: Abnegation, her birth faction, and Dauntless, the fearless.
An unexpected comment from Caleb triggers Beatrice's nerves again and she is up thinking about her life changing decision once again.
"We should think of our family. But. But we must also think of ourselves."
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Chapter 3
Beatrice wakes in the testing room. Before I read on, I have a sinking sense of apprehension. After what just happened, I have no idea what to expect, but I can't help but assume it won't be good. Tori's reaction doesn't help much either. She says something about how the test was "perplexing" and doesn't appear to be very comfortable herself. This doesn't do much to calm Beatrice's nerves either. Her mind starts spiraling out of control. She long to be relieved, like she thought she would be after the test. It has only made things worse. She begins to ponder the thought of her own fate. She begins to fill herself with anxiety when realizing the possibility of becoming factionless is more real than she has ever imagined.
After what seems like ages, Tori returns. "Beatrice, your results were inconclusive." My heart sank. I can't be completely sure of what this means yet, but from the foreshadowing I've picked up on, I know it isn't something to be proud of. Beatrice immediately begins questioning Tori. Surprising, since she hasn't shown signs of being curious before. *sarcasm* Tori explains that the test rules out the factions, one by one, until a single faction remains, but in Beatrice's case, only two factions could be ruled out: Amity and Candor. Because of her inconclusive results, Beatrice is now deemed... DIVERGENT. (Don't you just love when the title is used in the story?)
But Divergence is dangerous, as Tori warns, and Beatrice is sent home to allow herself time to think. The sucky thing is, she isn't allowed to share her results with anyone.. Ever. She decides to walk home, rather than take an earlier bus, so she doesn't have to make up an excuse as to why she is home so early. On the journey home, she reflects on her home faction's lifestyle, and realizes its beauty, but she also remembers how much she stands out. She passes through the home of the factionless and is confronted by an older factionless man, who really creeped me out. I'm not sure why she thought it would be such a great idea to talk to him, but she did. He asks her for something to eat, and as she is reaching into her bag for apple slices, her grabs her wrist. At this point I am screaming, "I TOLD YOU SO!" in my head. Then of course his creepiness doesn't stop there. He smiles and makes some weird remark about her pretty eyes. Things escalate as he says she looks a little young to be out alone, and she plans out her violent escape, but to her surprise (and mine too!), he lets her go. "Choose wisely little girl." I would have cried.
"But choosing a different faction means I forsake my family. Permanently."
After what seems like ages, Tori returns. "Beatrice, your results were inconclusive." My heart sank. I can't be completely sure of what this means yet, but from the foreshadowing I've picked up on, I know it isn't something to be proud of. Beatrice immediately begins questioning Tori. Surprising, since she hasn't shown signs of being curious before. *sarcasm* Tori explains that the test rules out the factions, one by one, until a single faction remains, but in Beatrice's case, only two factions could be ruled out: Amity and Candor. Because of her inconclusive results, Beatrice is now deemed... DIVERGENT. (Don't you just love when the title is used in the story?)
But Divergence is dangerous, as Tori warns, and Beatrice is sent home to allow herself time to think. The sucky thing is, she isn't allowed to share her results with anyone.. Ever. She decides to walk home, rather than take an earlier bus, so she doesn't have to make up an excuse as to why she is home so early. On the journey home, she reflects on her home faction's lifestyle, and realizes its beauty, but she also remembers how much she stands out. She passes through the home of the factionless and is confronted by an older factionless man, who really creeped me out. I'm not sure why she thought it would be such a great idea to talk to him, but she did. He asks her for something to eat, and as she is reaching into her bag for apple slices, her grabs her wrist. At this point I am screaming, "I TOLD YOU SO!" in my head. Then of course his creepiness doesn't stop there. He smiles and makes some weird remark about her pretty eyes. Things escalate as he says she looks a little young to be out alone, and she plans out her violent escape, but to her surprise (and mine too!), he lets her go. "Choose wisely little girl." I would have cried.
"But choosing a different faction means I forsake my family. Permanently."
Chapter 2
Today is the day of the aptitude test and the reality is sinking in. Beatrice sits with the other sixteen-year-old's in the cafeteria, anxiously waiting for her name to be called. They are not allowed to prepare for the test, so she has no idea what to expect. Talk about nerve wrecking. She gazes around the room, observing the kids from other factions. She takes note of what sets them apart from herself; what makes them fit into their faction. Because of her observations, I got my first information on what the other factions are like. It wasn't a whole lot to go off of, but I know more than I did before at least.
Caleb's name is called. Beatrice watches him move confidently towards the testing room. She is envious of his sureness. She only wishes she was set on her decision. She wishes she could fit in as easily as he does. Ever since she can remember, he has been the poster child of the Abnegation faction. She waits until he enters the cafeteria again, only to find him pale and sweating nervously. She is dying to ask him about what happened, but is fully aware of the fact that he isn't allowed to talk about the test or his results. This would kill me, knowing I couldn't even look out for my own brother?
Finally it is Beatrice's turn. The only reassurance she can get is from her neighbor, Susan, who is called to be tested at the same time. However, there is only enough time for Susan to shoot her a nervous smile before the two part and are assigned testing rooms. A Dauntless woman, Tori is her name, is the one who gives Beatrice the aptitude test. Right away Beatrice notices the way Tori looks. From her small, dark eyes, to her almost masculine clothing, Beatrice decides she isn't as afraid of Tori as she is of others from Dauntless she has seen. The hawk tattoo Tori has strikes curiosity within Beatrice, and even though it is against the rules of her home faction, she asks about it anyway, almost in an impulsive manner. I related to Beatrice at this moment because it is impossible for me to go an hour without asking a question. I understand that it is just in her nature.
Tori explains the hawk symbolizes the sun, and it is a technique to overcome her fear of the dark. Another question slips from Beatrice's lips. "You're afraid of the dark?" Tori reiterates that her fear is in the past, and without another moment passing, gets on with her duties. Soon enough, Beatrice feels the vial of clear liquid dripping into her mouth. Her eyes close. I was nervous with anticipation at this point.
Beatrice is thrown into the aptitude test, but refuses to make a decision between taking a knife or cheese. This poses a problem once an angry dog appears. She is unsure of what to do until she remembers she learned lying down is the best option she has. It works out for her, thankfully. This is only the beginning of her problems however, as suddenly a young girl appears. The dog is about to lunge towards the girl, but before it can, Beatrice throws herself toward it. The scene changes again, and now she is on a subway, confronted by a man asking her if she recognizes a murder from a picture in the newspaper. Even though she feels that he looks familiar, she lies to the man, fearing what would happen if she told him the truth. He hysterically begs for her help, saying she could save him, but she stands her ground.
The entire simulation completely threw me off and at this point I have no idea what is going to happen. I am so lost, but in a way that I can't help but read on.
"Behind me, a woman's voice says, 'Choose.' 'Why?' I ask."
Caleb's name is called. Beatrice watches him move confidently towards the testing room. She is envious of his sureness. She only wishes she was set on her decision. She wishes she could fit in as easily as he does. Ever since she can remember, he has been the poster child of the Abnegation faction. She waits until he enters the cafeteria again, only to find him pale and sweating nervously. She is dying to ask him about what happened, but is fully aware of the fact that he isn't allowed to talk about the test or his results. This would kill me, knowing I couldn't even look out for my own brother?
Finally it is Beatrice's turn. The only reassurance she can get is from her neighbor, Susan, who is called to be tested at the same time. However, there is only enough time for Susan to shoot her a nervous smile before the two part and are assigned testing rooms. A Dauntless woman, Tori is her name, is the one who gives Beatrice the aptitude test. Right away Beatrice notices the way Tori looks. From her small, dark eyes, to her almost masculine clothing, Beatrice decides she isn't as afraid of Tori as she is of others from Dauntless she has seen. The hawk tattoo Tori has strikes curiosity within Beatrice, and even though it is against the rules of her home faction, she asks about it anyway, almost in an impulsive manner. I related to Beatrice at this moment because it is impossible for me to go an hour without asking a question. I understand that it is just in her nature.
Tori explains the hawk symbolizes the sun, and it is a technique to overcome her fear of the dark. Another question slips from Beatrice's lips. "You're afraid of the dark?" Tori reiterates that her fear is in the past, and without another moment passing, gets on with her duties. Soon enough, Beatrice feels the vial of clear liquid dripping into her mouth. Her eyes close. I was nervous with anticipation at this point.
Beatrice is thrown into the aptitude test, but refuses to make a decision between taking a knife or cheese. This poses a problem once an angry dog appears. She is unsure of what to do until she remembers she learned lying down is the best option she has. It works out for her, thankfully. This is only the beginning of her problems however, as suddenly a young girl appears. The dog is about to lunge towards the girl, but before it can, Beatrice throws herself toward it. The scene changes again, and now she is on a subway, confronted by a man asking her if she recognizes a murder from a picture in the newspaper. Even though she feels that he looks familiar, she lies to the man, fearing what would happen if she told him the truth. He hysterically begs for her help, saying she could save him, but she stands her ground.
The entire simulation completely threw me off and at this point I have no idea what is going to happen. I am so lost, but in a way that I can't help but read on.
"Behind me, a woman's voice says, 'Choose.' 'Why?' I ask."
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Chapter 1
Staring at your own reflection is considered to be breaking the law of selflessness. Beatrice catches a glimpse of herself for the first time in three months. Her family is allowed to use the single mirror in their house on the special occasion of cutting hair. She is supposed to be selfless. She is supposed to be able to forget her own wishes and needs. After all, that is what Abnegation stands for, right?
Today is a big day. The ever-famous aptitude test is today. Nerves are running high with Beatrice. It's a different story for Caleb. He'll stay with the family. Today isn't hard for him. It is so obvious that he is exactly where he belongs. He has always been the perfect Abnegation child. I mean, he even gave up his seat on the bus to a man he'd never met before.
The goal is to forget about yourself. Caleb can do it. He inherited the ability from their mother and father. They have perfected the art. From the plain hair styles, to the dreary gray robes, Abnegation means to blend in, and not to draw attention to yourself. But Beatrice doesn't seem to fit in.
Today is the last day of this life. Tomorrow will mark the first moment of the rest of every sixteen-year-old's life. It will be the moment they choose their life, their future, their faction. Erudite, the knowledge seekers; Candor, those known for honesty; Amity, the peace keepers; Dauntless, the brave; and of course Abnegation, the selfless.
Watching the Dauntless soar through the air after they have leaped from a moving train is a sort of morning ritual for Beatrice. A sea of black clothing, piercings, and tattoos are seen once more this morning through the window in E wing. For the very last time.
"The atmosphere feels hungry, like every sixteen-year-old is trying to devour as much as he can get of this last day."
Today is a big day. The ever-famous aptitude test is today. Nerves are running high with Beatrice. It's a different story for Caleb. He'll stay with the family. Today isn't hard for him. It is so obvious that he is exactly where he belongs. He has always been the perfect Abnegation child. I mean, he even gave up his seat on the bus to a man he'd never met before.
The goal is to forget about yourself. Caleb can do it. He inherited the ability from their mother and father. They have perfected the art. From the plain hair styles, to the dreary gray robes, Abnegation means to blend in, and not to draw attention to yourself. But Beatrice doesn't seem to fit in.
Today is the last day of this life. Tomorrow will mark the first moment of the rest of every sixteen-year-old's life. It will be the moment they choose their life, their future, their faction. Erudite, the knowledge seekers; Candor, those known for honesty; Amity, the peace keepers; Dauntless, the brave; and of course Abnegation, the selfless.
Watching the Dauntless soar through the air after they have leaped from a moving train is a sort of morning ritual for Beatrice. A sea of black clothing, piercings, and tattoos are seen once more this morning through the window in E wing. For the very last time.
"The atmosphere feels hungry, like every sixteen-year-old is trying to devour as much as he can get of this last day."
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