Why Tobias Chose Four: Unraveling the Mystery Behind the Name

Tobias Eaton, the enigmatic and complex character from Veronica Roth’s Divergent series, is not known by his given name for long. Instead, he is almost universally recognized as “Four,” a moniker he adopts after transferring to Dauntless. But why this particular number? The answer is both simple and profoundly revealing about his inner struggles. Tobias chooses the name Four because it represents the limited number of fears he possesses, a stark contrast to his fellow Dauntless initiates. In a society that values bravery and the suppression of fear, having only four acknowledged fears makes him an anomaly and a figure of intrigue. This is a conscious choice on his part, and it is a declaration of his difference.

The Significance of Fear in Dauntless Culture

In the world of Divergent, Dauntless is the faction that embodies courage and fearlessness. This is not to say they are without fear, but rather that they confront and conquer their fears through rigorous training. Fear landscapes, simulations designed to expose an individual’s deepest anxieties, are a core component of Dauntless initiation. These fear landscapes reveal a person’s vulnerability and are used to test and improve their mental strength. For most Dauntless initiates, these tests reveal a multitude of fears. However, Tobias’s first fear landscape exposes only four distinct fears: acrophobia (fear of heights), claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces), remorse for shooting innocents, and fear of his father, Marcus. This surprisingly low number shocks Amar, his instructor, who then bestows upon him the nickname “Four.”

A Name Born of Difference and Trauma

Tobias didn’t ask for the name “Four,” nor does he particularly embrace it initially. But the name sticks, and it becomes a powerful symbol of his complex character. “Four” is a tangible representation of how different Tobias is from his Dauntless peers. It immediately sets him apart and highlights both his resilience and his vulnerability. He is not fearless; rather, he manages his fears more effectively than others. His choice is an acknowledgement of his limitations, but also of his control over them.

Moreover, the fears that make up his total are profoundly connected to his past trauma. His acrophobia and claustrophobia hint at the physical discomfort he endured, potentially during childhood incidents. His fear of shooting innocents speaks volumes about his moral compass and the immense weight of any potential harm he may inflict. Most crucially, his fear of his father underscores the deep psychological scars left by years of abuse. The name “Four,” therefore, is a constant reminder of his vulnerabilities.

More Than Just a Number

While it began as a nickname bestowed by Amar, the name “Four” becomes an integral part of Tobias’s identity. He embodies the spirit of Dauntless while simultaneously carrying the burden of his past. The name allows him to present a carefully constructed persona. It shields his vulnerability while at the same time acknowledges it. It’s not just about the number; it’s about the implications of those four fears. It is the acknowledgement that bravery isn’t about the absence of fear but how one overcomes it. As he interacts with Tris, who also has a divergent mind, his name further underscores their shared experience of being outsiders within the factions. The name “Four” is the beginning of his liberation. It is a chosen identity which is a stark contrast to his past.

The name “Four” also creates a mystique around Tobias, making him a powerful and intriguing figure. Other initiates look up to him, and he uses his name to both hide his pain and project an image of strength. Ultimately, the name “Four” encapsulates the complexities of Tobias Eaton. It is a testament to his ability to endure, to forge his own path, and to rise above the circumstances of his past.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What faction was Tobias born into?

Tobias was born into Abnegation, the faction that values selflessness and service to others.

2. Why did Tobias leave Abnegation?

Tobias left Abnegation to escape the physical and emotional abuse he suffered at the hands of his father, Marcus Eaton.

3. What are Tobias’s four fears?

Tobias’s four fears are: acrophobia (fear of heights), claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces), remorse for shooting innocents, and fear of his father, Marcus.

4. Who gave Tobias the nickname “Four”?

Tobias received the nickname “Four” from his Dauntless instructor, Amar, upon seeing the surprisingly small number of fears he displayed in his initiation.

5. What is the significance of the fear landscape in Dauntless?

The fear landscape is a simulation designed to expose a person’s deepest fears. It is used to assess and develop their mental fortitude and their ability to manage their fears, which is central to the Dauntless identity.

6. Was Tobias supposed to be a Divergent?

Yes, like Tris, Tobias is a Divergent, meaning he doesn’t fit into the societal constraints of the faction system. This is one of the reasons he can resist many simulations. He also has a special gene that makes him conscious during simulations.

7. What happens to Tobias’s father, Marcus?

Marcus, the manipulative and abusive leader of Abnegation, is ultimately held accountable for his actions after the faction system collapses. While the books suggest he is defeated, his exact fate is left ambiguous.

8. Does Tobias ever move on from Tris after her death?

Yes, in the short story “We Can Be Mended,” set after the epilogue of the series, Tobias begins to move on from Tris’s death and starts dating Christina.

9. Why was the fourth Divergent movie cancelled?

The fourth movie, Ascendant, was cancelled due to the poor box office performance of the previous film, Allegiant, and a decline in audience interest in YA adaptations.

10. What was Ascendant supposed to be about?

Ascendant was meant to continue the story from Allegiant, exploring the world outside the wall surrounding Chicago. The content would largely come from the second half of the Allegiant book. The movie’s plot was to focus on a server boy named Holt, who defies every rule and chooses to follow his heart.

11. Why did many fans dislike the ending of Allegiant?

Many fans disliked the ending of Allegiant because Tris sacrifices herself and dies, a tragic ending that broke from the usual happy conclusion of YA series.

12. How do Tris and Four first express their love for each other?

In the book, they have an intimate moment after they are caught kissing, and Tris wants to wait until the time is right. In the film, the two make love earlier, in the film Insurgent.

13. Why wasn’t Four affected by the serum in the books?

The serum doesn’t work on Four or Tris because they are Divergent.

14. What does Four do with Tris’ ashes?

To celebrate Choosing Day after Tris’ death, Four scatters Tris’ ashes while riding a zipline with his friends. This action symbolizes his coming to terms with Tris’ death and his acceptance of her sacrifice.

15. What three factions did Tris test for?

Tris showed aptitude for three factions: Abnegation, Dauntless, and Erudite.