Chapter Four

In chapter four the Prior's sit down for a good wholesome--and ultra tense--family dinner. This chapter really was a sort of foundational chapter that left little symbolism for me to delve into. Basically, Andrew Prior established that the Erudite hate the Abnegation and the feeling is as mutual as selfless people can manage. His anger was a bit unbecoming of an Abnegation leader, but, as any Insurgent reader will know there is a reasooooon for this. 

I can only imagine how Caleb felt in that moment, knowing which faction awaiting him on choosing day and how he'd be seen as a traitor. I definitely know what it feels like to be alienated by your parents and it's not exactly comfortable. I think maybe that's while I affiliate with the Erudition Prior so much, I can walk a mile in his shoes and turn-round-about, walking right back. 

Beatrice is feeling the tension, too, more visibly for the reader, knowing at her core that she, too, will end up betraying the parents that have given her everything; however, I am a firm believer that birds must often hop from the nest without genteel parental guidance to find out where their true loyalties lie. After all, at the end of the day, humans exist alone and as individuals, not family units, though the latter is much more comforting.

On a lighter note, I found the bit about Caleb and Susan really cute!

"Susan and Caleb flirt in the tentative way known only to the Abenegation. Caleb's eyes follow Susan down the walk. I have to grabe his arm to startle him from his daze."

 I wonder if Susan ever picked up on the fact that Caleb did not belong, or if Caleb ever considered faking it forever to stay with her. I feel like the Abnegation sort of decide who they'll marry early on, since breaking up with someone is hardless selfless. I love cute side characters, sigh.