Contents
Chapter 8: Beatrice
Overview
Beatrice reels as Caleb departs with Jeanine, then begins Abnegation initiation. In the Memory Vault, initiates offer memories; Beatrice’s expected Divergence reveal diverts to a rooftop scream, avoiding exposure. The night ends with a communal feast and interwoven songs, softening Beatrice’s panic while underscoring Abnegation’s ethos.
Summary
Shaken by regret after choosing Abnegation, Beatrice panics as she watches Caleb leave with Jeanine Matthews, and notices Felicity follow. Guided by Marcus, the eight Abnegation initiates enter headquarters and proceed to the Memory Vault, where they are told to dedicate the night to learning to receive.
Inside the circular, dimly lit Vault, Marcus explains its sanctity and the ritual of offerings. With hands on a warm stone, each initiate introduces themselves through memories. Beatrice relives the aftermath of her aptitude test with Tori, fearing the word “Divergent” will be recorded.
As Tori is about to hint at Beatrice’s abnormal results, the memory abruptly shifts to Beatrice on her apartment roof, screaming into the night. The diversion ends the offering without exposing her Divergence. Marcus notices her, puzzled, but the ritual concludes and the initiates move on.
In the banquet hall, Abnegation members serve the initiates piece by piece, modeling the art of receiving. Voices rise in layered songs about the city’s founding and mutual aid, their messages intertwining like the melodies. Beatrice, overwhelmed but comforted, sets aside her panic to listen, newly aware of Abnegation’s role and her conflicted place within it.
Who Appears
- BeatriceNew Abnegation initiate; nearly reveals Divergence in the Memory Vault, but the memory shifts and spares her. Torn yet moved by the feast.
- Marcus EatonLeads initiation, guards the Memory Vault, and oversees the offering ritual; notices Beatrice’s anomalous memory.
- Susan BlackFellow initiate who reassures Beatrice with a smile; sits beside her during the Memory Vault ritual.
- CalebBeatrice’s brother; leaves the Choosing with Jeanine Matthews, heightening Beatrice’s anxiety.
- Jeanine MatthewsErudite leader who departs with Caleb, unsettling Beatrice at the chapter’s start.
- ToriAppears in Beatrice’s Memory Vault vision from the aptitude test, nearly exposing Beatrice’s Divergence.
- MaryAbnegation initiate present during the rituals; noted by Beatrice among the small cohort.
- Beatrice’s motherServes food to initiates during the banquet, modeling Abnegation’s ethic of giving.
- Beatrice’s fatherSets utensils for Beatrice at the banquet, participating in the community’s act of service.