Corruption In Tris's 'Divergent'

I think that Tris’ decision to transfer to Dauntless from Abnegation was the best decision she could have made in her particular circumstances. After officially transferring to Dauntless, Tris frantically worries about whether or not leaving Abnegation was a beneficial choice. She worries that she is not suited for Dauntless, or that her parents will feel furious and betrayed. However, the text makes it clear that although Tris is Divergent (she displays characteristics of multiple factions) and does not only belong to one faction, she is better off going to Dauntless rather than staying in Abnegation. Tris exclaims, “... I feel disgust. Someone who looks so strong shouldn’t act so weak. Why can’t [Al] just keep his crying quiet like the rest

In addition, Tris states “Anger bubbles in my chest, and bursts from my mouth: ‘Stop it.’... I am stupid for speaking up while Eric is here” (162). When Eric, the sinister teacher for new members of the Dauntless faction, is being cruel and unjust to Al, Tris is the only one with the courage to tell him that what he is doing is wrong. Bravery and valor are some of the key characteristics required to be in the Dauntless faction, and Tris proves that she definitely possesses those qualities. Furthermore, Tris says “I pull my foot back and kick as hard as I can at [Molly’s] ribs. My mother and father would not approve of my kicking someone when she’s down. I do not care” (173). Tris admits that when she physically hurts Molly, one of the ill-natured initiates that is running against her, she does not feel any guilt or regret. This is an obvious sign that Tris does not belong in Abnegation, as the Abnegation faction prohibits ever hurting anyone, and that Tris is more suited for Dauntless, as Dauntless actually encourages aggression and physical combat to a certain

Tris says, “I remember [my brother, Caleb] telling [an injured person] that it would only that a month to mend, because if was a hairline fracture… he was reassuring her, because that’s what selfless people do” (113-114). Caleb’s actions depict the key quality of Abnegation - selflessness. I believe that I am selfless in the same way that Caleb is, and I always try to comfort and help others. This outgoing mindset of mine made it clear that I belonged in Abnegation. However, Tris hears from her friend Christina, who transfers from Candor to Dauntless, that “we [are] Candor and we [can’t] lie” (93). Personally, I value honesty very much - I consider it to be one of the most important characteristics needed to be considered a good friend and peer. This value for honestly is the centerstone of Candor, as explained by Christina, so I realized that a part of me belongs to Candor as well. Furthermore, earlier in the novel, Tris explains that the “Erudite thirst for knowledge” (52). A part of me exemplifies this thirst for knowledge because I love learning interesting things and have a tendency to study content learned in school for hours on end. Ultimately, after connecting the text to my personal life, I realized that I display characteristics of Abnegation, Candor, as well as Erudite so I, like Tris, am