Divergent Chapter 1 - Chapter Summary
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Divergent Chapter 1This is a summary of Veronica Roth's Divergent Chapter 1. We will give a brief chapter summary of what happens during the first pages of the book then we will analyze what messages the author is trying to convey and give you some questions to help deepen your understanding of the chapter.
If you would like to treat these chapter summaries as a book club, please feel free to read along (I'll tell you how to get the first chapters for free below) and participate in the comments section at the bottom of the page. I only ask that you do not give away any details from events that occur in later chapters or other books so that readers that are following this guide do not have the book spoiled for them. |
Free Divergent Download
If you'd like to read along with me as I summarize the chapters of Divergent, you can do so for free. There is a sampler pack on Amazon which contains a multi-chapter excerpt from the first Divergent book (including Divergent Chapter 1) called the Hunger for Dystopian Teen Sampler. If you navigate to the page and choose the Amazon Kindle version, it was free the last time I checked (always verify the price yourself just in case). If you don't have an Amazon Kindle, you can download a Kindle computer app for free as well.
This sampler also includes several other young adult books that are along the same style of book as Divergent and the Hunger Games, so it is a fun freebie. However, if you're like me, I have the feeling you'll want to buy the whole Divergent book series once you read the free chapters!
This sampler also includes several other young adult books that are along the same style of book as Divergent and the Hunger Games, so it is a fun freebie. However, if you're like me, I have the feeling you'll want to buy the whole Divergent book series once you read the free chapters!
Divergent Chapter 1 Summary
Chapter one begins with the main character getting her dull, blond hair cut by her mother. We find out that she is only allowed to stand in front of a mirror once every three months while getting her haircut, but that she is part of a faction that frowns upon looking at oneself in the mirror.
We find out that today is the day where she will take an aptitude test to see which faction she will fit in with most. Tomorrow, she must choose whether or not to leave her faction during the Choosing Ceremony. As she sits down for breakfast with her family, she begins to feel guilty for thinking about leaving.
In the next scene, the main character and her brother, Caleb, are on a bus headed for school. The main character begins to analyze how different she and her brother are- not only in looks, but also in behavior as well. Caleb is quick to display the selfless behavior that his faction, Abnegation, values. She also notes a man from another faction, Candor, that is dressed in his faction's colors of black and white which represents honesty. There are five factions in all: Abnegation, Candor, Erudite, Amity and Dauntless.
When they arrive at school, Caleb is not eager to discuss the aptitude test that they are to face later in the day. The main character notices how out of place she feels in the hallway, the only place where children her age of different factions ever run into each other. Her gray robe, slacks and plain hairstyle don't help as she feels eyes staring at her due to another faction, the Erudite, spreading antagonistic reports about her faction. An Erudite boy in a blue sweater shoves her and calls her a "stiff."
The main character pauses for her daily ritual, watching the kids from a faction called Dauntless jumping off of a moving train- a train that only the Dauntless ride. These kids dress in black and have tattoos and piercings. As the chapter ends, the main character reminds herself that watching them is a "foolish practice."
We find out that today is the day where she will take an aptitude test to see which faction she will fit in with most. Tomorrow, she must choose whether or not to leave her faction during the Choosing Ceremony. As she sits down for breakfast with her family, she begins to feel guilty for thinking about leaving.
In the next scene, the main character and her brother, Caleb, are on a bus headed for school. The main character begins to analyze how different she and her brother are- not only in looks, but also in behavior as well. Caleb is quick to display the selfless behavior that his faction, Abnegation, values. She also notes a man from another faction, Candor, that is dressed in his faction's colors of black and white which represents honesty. There are five factions in all: Abnegation, Candor, Erudite, Amity and Dauntless.
When they arrive at school, Caleb is not eager to discuss the aptitude test that they are to face later in the day. The main character notices how out of place she feels in the hallway, the only place where children her age of different factions ever run into each other. Her gray robe, slacks and plain hairstyle don't help as she feels eyes staring at her due to another faction, the Erudite, spreading antagonistic reports about her faction. An Erudite boy in a blue sweater shoves her and calls her a "stiff."
The main character pauses for her daily ritual, watching the kids from a faction called Dauntless jumping off of a moving train- a train that only the Dauntless ride. These kids dress in black and have tattoos and piercings. As the chapter ends, the main character reminds herself that watching them is a "foolish practice."
Analyzing Chapter 1
In this chapter we learn that the main character comes from a very rigid home and faction group that doesn't even celebrate birthdays. With all mirrors in her home hidden and forbidden from use for more than just for a haircut, we start to see our main character's curiosity get the best of her as she sneaks a peak at her own reflection. She also admits to feeling guilty about possibly wanting to leave her family as they peacefully go through their morning routine.
We learn that her mother is pretty, but is forced to hide it due to faction rules. Although her mother should have scolded her for looking at her reflection, she did not. This shows a gentle caring and support.
We learn that Caleb, her brother, shares the darker physical features of both parents, and is strong in the Abnegation value of selflessness. He is quiet and does not want to discuss the aptitude test, which is the proper thing to do. He follows the rules and is not as curious as his sister.
As Caleb and the main character ride the bus to town we begin to learn about the faction Candor who value the black and white truth and wear a black suit and white tie to match. The Candor man does not appear to think twice about taking Caleb's seat, showing the clash in values.
The setting seems serene, yet dark on the bus ride as they approach the Hub, formerly the Sears tower, surrounded in fog.
Once they arrive at school there is a sharp contrast as the hustle and bustle of the faction-filled halls erupts. It is here that we learn of the blue-clad Erudite bad mouthing the Abnegation. At this point, the reader cannot find any reason why a selfless faction would deserve such poor treatment. The bright blue sweaters are once again in contrast with the gray robes and slacks of the Abnegation.
The final important part in analyzing this chapter is taking a look at the main character's fascination with the Dauntless faction, a faction her father labels as "hellions" dressed in black, tattoos and piercings. Here we have this shy character trying to make sure no one notices her small curiosities and one of those curiosities is the most rambunctious faction of them all. She states that "watching them is a foolish practice."
We learn that her mother is pretty, but is forced to hide it due to faction rules. Although her mother should have scolded her for looking at her reflection, she did not. This shows a gentle caring and support.
We learn that Caleb, her brother, shares the darker physical features of both parents, and is strong in the Abnegation value of selflessness. He is quiet and does not want to discuss the aptitude test, which is the proper thing to do. He follows the rules and is not as curious as his sister.
As Caleb and the main character ride the bus to town we begin to learn about the faction Candor who value the black and white truth and wear a black suit and white tie to match. The Candor man does not appear to think twice about taking Caleb's seat, showing the clash in values.
The setting seems serene, yet dark on the bus ride as they approach the Hub, formerly the Sears tower, surrounded in fog.
Once they arrive at school there is a sharp contrast as the hustle and bustle of the faction-filled halls erupts. It is here that we learn of the blue-clad Erudite bad mouthing the Abnegation. At this point, the reader cannot find any reason why a selfless faction would deserve such poor treatment. The bright blue sweaters are once again in contrast with the gray robes and slacks of the Abnegation.
The final important part in analyzing this chapter is taking a look at the main character's fascination with the Dauntless faction, a faction her father labels as "hellions" dressed in black, tattoos and piercings. Here we have this shy character trying to make sure no one notices her small curiosities and one of those curiosities is the most rambunctious faction of them all. She states that "watching them is a foolish practice."
Questions for Discussion
Here are some questions to get you thinking about Divergent Chapter 1:
- Would you be able to lead the strict Abnegation life and be completely selfless?
- Why is the society split into factions?
- Which of the factions can you relate to most so far?
- Why is the main character so nervous about the aptitude test?
- Why doesn't the train stop to let the kids off for school?
