Divergent

Marxist Approach

Divergent is a book written by Veronica Roth which tells the story about a society that is divided into five groups called Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless, and Erudite. Each group values one main characteristics, like honesty or bravery. The system was made to keep the peace, but instead, it causes unfairness and separation on the people. Those people who don’t fit in any faction are called Factionless and are treated badly. From a sociological point of view, this shows how real the societies also separate people by status, beliefs, or personality. The factions represent social groups that take away freedom and individuality. This proves that social systems can control how people live and think.The story also talks about power and control. The faction leaders and the government use rules to stay in charge of everyone. People are though to follow their faction’s values, and those who act differently are considered a threat to their society. Beatrice Prior is the main character, and she is hunted by the people because they believe that people like them do not fit into one group, and is similar to real life, where people who question or go against the rules are frequently outcasted or punished. The story shows that when only a few people have the power, equality and justice are lost. It teaches that true peace doesn’t exist if the people are not free to be themselves.Tris’s story represents the challenges between being yourself and following the society’s rules. She wants to know who she really is, even if it means breaking what others expectation of her. The story tells that people are unique and cannot be limited to just one characteristics or group. It also criticizes how some systems divide and control people. Even though the faction system was created to help, it only causes fear, conflict, and inequality. The message of the story is that we should accept the differences and allow freedom in the society. In the end, Divergent warns us about the danger of a world that values control and power more than individuality.

Ramos, Lainarie Ann