Hollan Southwick 2

In Divergent, Veronica Roth writes “‘People who get this kind of result are...' She looks over her shoulder like she expects someone to appear behind her. '...are called…Divergent’” (22).  In this passage, Tori is talking to Tris, after her faction test, when Tris learns that she is divergent.  This passage is arguably the most important in the whole series.  This is the first time Tris (as well as the reader) hears of the term “divergent” - the same term that will define her throughout the rest of the series.  

So What?

1. Why does this observation matter?

The term "divergent" follows and defines Tris for the rest of her life.  

2. Where does this observation get us?

With Tris being labeled as divergent, she is now a target for the "government" (Erudites) should they discover Tris's true results of her faction test. 

3. What do we make of the significance of this observation?

Due to Tris's label, she will have to hide her true results from those who wish to harm her.  She is forced to act carefully in everyday life, especially in her initiation tests for Dauntless.