Syntax

This story uses uses a wide variety of syntax. In syntax specifically it uses long sentences that just make up a whole paragraph and then it goes to some telegraphic and short sentences. This is best seen when it says "As soon as I lift my eyes to scan the buildings, I know where we're going: the empty Hancock building, a black village with crisscrossed girders, the tallest building north of the bridge.   But what are we going to do? Climb it?" (Roth, 215). This shows how the author keeps the reader interest by adding a few short. telegraphic sentences to keep the reader interested and engaged. Not only are these sentences short and telegraphic though, they are rhetorical questions which keeps the readers mind thinking of ideas.

Conflict

I think one of the main conflicts in this story is person v. self. This relates to Tris v. herself because she struggles embracing the Dauntless and constantly has thoughts of Abnegation. 

I think the conflict could also be person v. society because she also struggles with her test results of being Divergent and not drawing attention. This is seen on page 186 & 187 when Tris's mother says "But you have to be very careful during the next stage of initiation, Beatrice. Stay in the middle of the pack, no matter what you do. Don't draw attention to yourself. Do you understand?" (Roth, 186-187). This shows how her mother wants to stay out of the attention and just be average so people don't easily figure out she's divergent by drawing attention and causing more observation on herself.

Future Predictions

So far in my story Tris has become a main target for Eric because not only did she change from Abnegation to Dauntless but she has stood up to him a few times. Along with that she has been very much accepted in the Dauntless because she has embraced the change better than they would've expected-not only for being an Abnegation but since the first night when she was the first to jump on the net. Even though she is being accepted I think that someone will turn on her because she is doing so well. I don't have an idea of who it could be because they all seem so welcoming of her. Another prediction I have is she could get injured which could cause some conflict with testing. So they might have to decide to hold back her testing or leave her factionless because she has gotten kicked out.

Most Important Line in the Chapter

I think that the most important line in chapter 8 is when Tris thinks "I open my eyes and for the first time state openly at my own reflection. My heart rate picks up as I do, like I'm breaking the rules and will be scolded for it. It will be difficult to break the habits of thinking Abngenation instilled in me, like tugging a single thread from a complex work of embroidery"(Roth, 87). I think that this is the most important line in the chapter because it shows how Tris is willing to make change to herself even though she has had these thoughts hammered into her throughout her whole life. This is a big change to her lifestyle going from quiet and selfless to loud and daring. This simple act of looking at herself shows the first step of getting over being part of the Abnegation belief of being equal and selfless because she is now allowing herself to be concerned about her appearance. I think this is will be an important but subtle part of the transition of Tris in the story.

Why Did I Start Reading Divergent?

The book I chose to start reading for my english reading book is Divergent by Veronica Roth. I chose to start reading this book because I have heard many good things about from many people such as teachers, friends, etc. who say that is a definite must read. I was also interested because of the movie coming out soon and I wanted to see if the book would be as good because the movie previews for this looked exciting. I like how she gets right into the point of view of the main character. She also adds really well-written implicit details allowing the reader to better understand the thought process of characters. This is best shown when the author writes "When I look at the Abnegation lifestyle as an outsider, I think it's beautiful. When I watch my family move in harmony; when we go to dinner parties and everyone cleans up afterwards without having to be asked; when I see Caleb help strangers carry their groceries, I fall in love with this life all over again.Its only when I try to live it myself that I have trouble. It never feels genuine"(Roth, 24). I think that this book will get more interesting because I have only read the first 38 pages and I already am drawn into it.