The Basics: The Hub

What was once 401 North Michigan Avenue, The Hub is the centerpiece of the city; the city's tallest and most prominent building. There are 100 floors, each with a distinct purpose contributing to the complex structure of the city's society.

The Hub is where the Choosing Ceremony takes place, where children of the appropriate age choose what faction they will join and delegate themselves to for the rest of their lives. Peter Hayes implies that Abnegation, as the faction that controls the government, has control in The Hub. It is assumed that The Hub serves as the formal seat of government in future Chicago much like a city hall. The Hub also seems to hold meetings for the city council with the representatives of each faction, making it a vital part of the political landscape.

In real life, The Hub is the Sears Tower as it is explained in page 4 of Divergent and the movie itself. Today, the Sears Tower is now known as the Willis Tower. The transformation of the Sears Tower into The Hub in the narrative highlights the blend of reality and fiction, grounding the story in a recognizable landmark while imbuing it with new significance.

The Faction Ceremony & More: Inside The Hub

The Choosing Ceremony takes place in The Hub (also known as the Sears Tower), the day after all sixteen-year-olds finish their Aptitude Test. Every sixteen-year-old must choose one faction. Not every faction member attends the ceremony, but many do, as it is a pivotal moment in the lives of the young citizens.

The inner room of The Hub is arranged in a concentric circle with the sixteen-year-olds of every faction sitting in the section designated for them. In the inner circle are rows of chairs where the families sit. In front is a stage with 5 bowls on it. The Candor bowl contains glass, the Erudite bowl contains water, the Amity bowl contains soil, the Dauntless bowl contains burning coals, and the Abnegation bowl contains grey stones. These bowls symbolize the essence of each faction, and the act of placing a hand in one of them signifies the choice of a faction.

The Hub's interior is a mix of modern functionality and remnants of the old world, providing a glimpse into the past while embracing the utilitarian aesthetics of the present dystopian society. The building houses various essential facilities, including meeting rooms, administrative offices, and observation decks. The observation deck, in particular, plays a significant role, as it offers panoramic views of the city, underscoring the sense of control and oversight the city's leaders possess. The meticulous design of The Hub's interior reflects the balance between preserving history and adapting to the needs of a new era.

Symbolism: The Hub

The Hub is more than just a physical structure; it embodies the themes of control, surveillance, and the tension between the factions. It is a place where significant plot developments occur, particularly in relation to the governing Abnegation faction and their interactions with the other factions. For instance, the centralization of the government in The Hub becomes a focal point of contention, especially as the Erudite faction seeks to usurp power and control the city's governance. The Hub's role as the heart of the political struggle highlights its symbolic weight in the narrative.

The Hub also serves as a metaphorical beacon for the characters, representing both hope and oppression. For Tris Prior, The Hub is a place of critical confrontations and revelations. It is within this structure that she faces some of her greatest challenges and uncovers vital truths about the nature of her society and her own identity. The Hub's towering presence serves as a constant reminder of the societal structures in place and the personal journeys the characters undertake within its walls. Its multifaceted significance adds depth to the story, making it a character in its own right.