Divergent

‘Divergent’ is a novel set in dystopian Chicago. Written by Veronica Roth in 2011, her past experiences are conveyed in the ‘Divergent’ series. Born and raised in Chicago, she implemented her childhood city into the series. Studying psychology, she was exposed to the study of fears and therapy which heavily influenced the main theme portrayed in the book. ‘Divergent’ embodies the enforcement on how the mould society places on us doesn’t necessarily determine who you are as an individual.  

Targeting younger adults at their prime of vulnerableness, ‘Divergent’ sets a construction of a reality that allows you to choose who you are. Setting an example of how younger people should decide their own future rather than obey to the expectations from their parents, family or anyone else. Having the main characters aged around 16-18 allows young adults to relate to the ideas, thoughts and experiences presented in ‘Divergent.’

‘Divergent’ is set in a futuristic version of Chicago. A city that is enclosed within a gate that is always locked to prevent any strays from leaving and disrupting society. The setting suggests that the city is in post-war and is slowly recovering; the city consists of “a patchwork of new, clean buildings and old, crumbling ones.” The reconstructing of the city foreshadows how the society will be under reconstruction. It symbolises how there are flaws in the current Chicago system in which it needs improvement and transforming.  This dystopian city is divided between factions that express different values and beliefs; it is said that this is to keep society in peace and in order. Amity retains the peace in society by maintaining the farms, Dauntless protects the city by being the guards, Abnegation governs the city as they value selflessness, Candor preserves the value of honesty within the city and Erudite understands the most knowledge. 

As shown in the main character and narrator Tris, she was born in Abnegation and expresses her concerns about society’s ways of upbringing the younger generations. She conforms to this ‘personality’ for all of her sixteen years of living. Selflessness, humbleness, modesty are the values in which Tris is meant to conform by. Knowing herself, Tris recognises how she was never truly a part of Abnegation which influences her choice in the initiate ceremony. A ceremony that establishes what an individual will be and where they will live for their entire life. You can either stay or leave.

She self-describes herself as “not so pretty.” Inheriting “eyes that are too big,” a “nose that is too long” and “a narrow face.” Tris is in a full yet simple grey exterior to conform to the dress code provided by Abnegation. When in Abnegation she avoided all acts that were considered self-indulgence, which included dressing provocatively, wearing makeup, getting tattoos, looking at your own reflection etc. This all changed when she moved to Dauntless. The change of faction changed her values/showed her true values. When in the middle stage of training, Tris undergoes an identity change to be considered more ‘Dauntless.’ She wore a tight black dress, got an impromptu tattoo, wore makeup, shot a gun and other acts that were considered to be shunned upon in Abnegation. Coming from a faction that was simple, Tris never engaged in any fights or anything physically straining. Originally, she was very weak, she knew she was weak as well as everyone else. This was an Abnegation stereotype which gave her the name ‘Stiff.’ Determined to break out of this negative stereotype, she continuously trained to strengthen her physique. Her training proved her well, from being ranked six out of nine in the first elimination to being ranked one out of nine in the second and third elimination. Tris being divergent brought about an advantage during the simulation tests; a virtual construction of one’s fears. Her divergent personality gives her a powerful mind which can manipulate these simulations. This is when her skills are truly shown and she becomes a threat to the other initiates. From a weak, fragile girl into a strong, dominate and a leader, Tris breaks out of this usual female stereotype that society places on her.

She engages in a romantic relationship with the initiate trainer called Four. Four is presented as the typical strong, independent man in ‘Divergent’. He assists her in improving on her training and her overall personality. They both benefit from each other; understanding their true selves better and overcoming fears. However, Tris depends too much on him as she knows that he will almost definitely save her whenever she is in dilemma. In this aspect, she gives into the inferior female stereotype. I like Tris as she shows how she can develop from a timid and fearful girl into a bold young woman. Showing how readers, especially girls, don’t have to conform to the gender roles that society has placed upon us. But I don’t like how in ‘Divergent’ she is portrayed as someone that heavily relies on another superior male figure constantly.

The ideas Roth explores in the novel are relevant to all in society especially younger generations. The idea that finding one’s identity can be struggle is conveyed in this text. She battles between fitting in into Dauntless whilst still expressing traits from her old faction. Thinking that she has to decide on which personality to fully poses, she realises that her true identity is formed by being divergent.

Society divided into groups that believe in a common idea to keep the peace is portrayed in this novel. The dystopian city has been running this system throughout society; its intention is so people don’t meddle with others that don’t act the same way as you. This is meant to prevent chaos and maintain harmony however, ‘Divergent’ results in a war between two factions.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone that would like to have a glimpse of an alternate  reality. This science fiction book portrays many challenges that are also brought about in today’s society. Following Tris’ and the others hardships, we can learn a few things from them by being your true self and not conforming to society’s mould.