Tyrus Tucker- Blog Post 2

In her novel Divergent, Veronica Roth writes, "Someone who is truly selfless does not think often enough to desire death. No one would say that aloud, if it happened, but everyone would think it." (307)

Summary: In this passage Tris is trying understand why Al would have chosen to end his life instead of facing his problem. She thinks his act was not selfless, but as selfish as someone could get.

So What 1:

• Question: Wouldn't someone who is truly selfless try to understand the situation a little better?
• Answer: Yes, but as it is now clear, Tris is not as selfless as her original faction would consider to be normal. Her thoughts are in fact selfish as well.

So What 2:

• Question: What is the significance of Roth's choice of "desiring death"?
• Answer: In context of the events before hand, this is showing that Al was not running away from life because he was afraid, but because he was ashamed of what he had done to Tris. 

So What 3:

• Question:  Why imply that everyone is thinking, but not acting on their thoughts?
• Answer: Roth portrays Tris as a character who likes to analyze others thoughts and actions. Tris is trying to show how most of the people in Dauntless are actually afraid to speak what's on their minds. Not only does Tris outwardly think Al is a coward, but her thoughts imply that she finds everyone else have weeks minds as well.