The concept of identity is right in the book's title: Four. It doesn't just mean that there are four long short stories in here. It's more of a reference to the main character's name, the name he chooses to redefine himself.
All the baddest action heroes do this: just like bat-fearful Bruce Wayne becomes Batman, four-feared Four becomes Four. Wow. Try saying that five (or four) times fast.
Questions About Identity
- This society is based on defining its citizens' identities through the faction system. Does this system work? What are its flaws?
- How does Tobias/Four choose his own identity? How much does his name and his faction factor into his identity?
- What methods of defining their own identities do Four and Tris have in common? How do they go about defining themselves differently?