Chapters 1 through 5 Summary

As the story opens, Beatrice Prior is in the upstairs hallway of her home, seated in front of the home's only mirror while her mother, Natalie, trims her hair. The haircut, which happens every three months, is the only time Beatrice is allowed to look at herself in the mirror. The rule is one of many governing her faction, the Abnegation. The faction is the ruling party of the country and denies all forms of self-indulgence and selfishness. Beatrice goes downstairs with her mother and, after breakfast, catches the bus with her older brother, Caleb. They arrive at the Sears Tower which is called the "Hub" and houses the school. On this particular day, Beatrice and the others of her age or near her age - including Caleb - are to take aptitude tests. These tests are designed to help each...