Divergent

Divergent by Veronica Roth, published on April 25th, 2011, is a book written about a messed up futuristic Chicago, where the society is divided out into 5 factions: Abnegation, Erudite, Dauntless, Candor, and Amity. The book focuses on Beatrice, or as Dauntless known her as Tris. It’s about her quest to finding herself and figuring out what it means to be Divergent, someone who belongs in more than one faction. On her journey, she aligns herself with Four, her trainer and boyfriend, and Christina, her best friend. She faces enemies like Eric and Peter, and the Erudite’s government brainwashing people to take over the city. The book focuses on the dystopian setting and calling out what’s wrong in the world.

Tris is fearless, not afraid to face a challenge as scary as it might seem. She knew she never belongs in Abnegation, which was the faction that she was born in. She chose to be Dauntless to challenge herself and becomes a new person.

Four has a complicated background, with his dad abusing him when he was young, and he himself is a Divergent just like Tris. Four has a rough exterior but inside he is sweet, kind and loving.

Christian was born a Candor, which means she always tells the truth no matter how much it hurts. She is determined, hard-working, and most of all she is tough.

Eric is what you would refer to at the one teacher that favors the popular and strong kids. He is ruthless and cares about no one else but himself. He would do anything to have power and that’s exactly what he did.

Peter is the jock who no one but the popular kids liked. He is strong, but not very nice. He shows every sign of a bully and he stabs another initiate in the eye for being better than him.

“People who get this kind of result are…’ She looks over her shoulder like she expects someone to appear behind her. ‘…are called…Divergent.’ She says the last word so quietly that I almost don’t hear it, and her tense, worried look returns” (22)

For the first time, Tris learns of the label that will follow her for the rest of her life: Divergent. At this moment, Tris is faced with the first major choice out of many she will have to make: which faction should she choose? She also learns how dangerous it is to be Divergent. Though no one will risk telling her what it means, and what the consequences are, she will soon have a target on her back.

“A new place, a new name. I can be remade here” (60).

In this moment, not only does Tris adopt her new name, but she adopts a new self. By rejecting her plain Abnegation name, Tris shows her desire to move on and fully immerse herself in the new world she has chosen.

Amity – state of friendship

Candor -the quality of being honest and telling the truth no matter what in speaking a behavior.

Dauntless – doesn’t feel fear or be intimidated

Rebellion – don’t want to follow a set of rules or authority.

Divergence – difference

Lust – to want something badly

Dormitory – a large sleeping room containing several beds

Administer – to manage or direct

I totally recommend this book. Not only it is interesting, it’s also thrilling, full of actions, love, awesome backstories. It is a reflection of how dividing people out is never a good idea, always sticking together is the best option. It shows stories of bullying, how hard it is being different from the people around you, and how to never judge a book by its cover.