* Tris's choice of faction: When Tris chooses Dauntless, she does so with the belief that it's the faction that will help her become stronger and braver. However, it's ironic because she's already shown to be courageous and strong-willed, even before joining Dauntless. The choice is a sign of her seeking to escape her family and her past, rather than truly understanding her own abilities.
* Erudite's pursuit of knowledge: While Erudite is supposed to be the faction dedicated to knowledge and intelligence, their obsession with control and power ultimately leads to their downfall. This is a sharp contrast to their supposed pursuit of knowledge, highlighting the irony of their actions.
* The Abnegation's selflessness: The Abnegation are dedicated to selflessness and putting others first. However, their strict adherence to this principle can be seen as a form of self-righteousness and an inability to understand the needs and desires of others. The irony lies in how their supposed selflessness can, in some cases, lead to selfish actions.
* The "fear landscape" in Dauntless: This is a more subtle example of verbal irony. The fear landscape is designed to help Dauntless initiates conquer their fears. However, the very act of confronting and overcoming fears can be seen as a form of self-indulgence, as it allows the initiate to focus on their own anxieties rather than the needs of the faction or society.
Overall, verbal irony in Divergent often serves to expose the hypocrisy and flaws of the faction system. It reveals how seemingly noble ideals can be distorted and corrupted by the pursuit of power and control. It also highlights the internal struggles of the characters, as they navigate the conflicting values of their own factions and the society at large.