Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent follows Beatrice 'Tris' Prior, a sixteen-year-old girl living in a dystopian society divided into factions based on human virtues. As she undergoes an aptitude test to determine her faction, Tris discovers she is 'Divergent' and does not fit neatly into any one group. This revelation sets her on a path of self-discovery and rebellion against the oppressive societal structure. Veronica Roth's novel explores themes of identity, choice, and the struggle for freedom, making it a compelling read for fans of young adult dystopian fiction. The book is particularly relevant for readers interested in character-driven narratives and societal critiques.

Key Points

  • Explores the concept of factions in a dystopian society and their significance to identity
  • Follows Tris Prior's journey as she navigates her choice of faction and the consequences of being Divergent
  • Examines themes of self-discovery, bravery, and societal expectations
  • Highlights the relationships between characters, including family dynamics and friendships
  • newtopiccyclegrowin
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CHAPTER
ONE
THERE IS ONE mirror in my house. It is behind a sliding panel in the hallway
upstairs. Our faction allows me to stand in front of it on the second day of
every third month, the day my mother cuts my hair.
I sit on the stool and my mother stands behind me with the scissors,
trimming. The strands fall on the floor in a dull, blond ring.
When she finishes, she pulls my hair away from my face and twists it
into a knot. I note how calm she looks and how focused she is. She is well-
practiced in the art of losing herself. I can’t say the same of myself.
I sneak a look at my reflection when she isn’t paying attention—not for
the sake of vanity, but out of curiosity. A lot can happen to a person’s
appearance in three months. In my reflection, I see a narrow face, wide,
round eyes, and a long, thin nose—I still look like a little girl, though
sometime in the last few months I turned sixteen. The other factions
celebrate birthdays, but we don’t. It would be self-indulgent.
“There,” she says when she pins the knot in place. Her eyes catch mine
in the mirror. It is too late to look away, but instead of scolding me, she
smiles at our reflection. I frown a little. Why doesn’t she reprimand me for
staring at myself?
“So today is the day,” she says.
“Yes,” I reply.
“Are you nervous?”
I stare into my own eyes for a moment. Today is the day of the aptitude
test that will show me which of the five factions I belong in. And tomorrow,
at the Choosing Ceremony, I will decide on a faction; I will decide the rest
of my life; I will decide to stay with my family or abandon them.
“No,” I say. “The tests don’t have to change our choices.”
“Right.” She smiles. “Let’s go eat breakfast.”
“Thank you. For cutting my hair.”
She kisses my cheek and slides the panel over the mirror. I think my
mother could be beautiful, in a different world. Her body is thin beneath the
gray robe. She has high cheekbones and long eyelashes, and when she lets
her hair down at night, it hangs in waves over her shoulders. But she must
hide that beauty in Abnegation.
We walk together to the kitchen. On these mornings when my brother
makes breakfast, and my father’s hand skims my hair as he reads the
newspaper, and my mother hums as she clears the table—it is on these
mornings that I feel guiltiest for wanting to leave them.
The bus stinks of exhaust. Every time it hits a patch of uneven pavement, it
jostles me from side to side, even though I’m gripping the seat to keep
myself still.
My older brother, Caleb, stands in the aisle, holding a railing above his
head to keep himself steady. We don’t look alike. He has my father’s dark
hair and hooked nose and my mother’s green eyes and dimpled cheeks.
When he was younger, that collection of features looked strange, but now it
suits him. If he wasn’t Abnegation, I’m sure the girls at school would stare
at him.
He also inherited my mother’s talent for selflessness. He gave his seat to
a surly Candor man on the bus without a second thought.
The Candor man wears a black suit with a white tie—Candor standard
uniform. Their faction values honesty and sees the truth as black and white,
so that is what they wear.
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FAQs of Divergent by Veronica Roth

What is the significance of being Divergent in the story?
Being Divergent means that Tris does not fit into any one faction, which is seen as a threat to the societal order. This uniqueness allows her to think independently and make choices that challenge the status quo. Throughout the story, Tris learns that her Divergence is both a gift and a curse, as it puts her in danger from those who seek to maintain control over the factions. The struggle of being Divergent reflects the broader theme of individuality versus conformity.
Who are the main characters in Divergent?
The main characters include Beatrice 'Tris' Prior, who is the protagonist, and Tobias 'Four' Eaton, her mentor and love interest. Other significant characters are Tris's family members, including her mother and father, who represent the Abnegation faction, and her friends and rivals from the Dauntless faction. Each character embodies different traits associated with their factions, which play a crucial role in the development of the plot and Tris's journey.
What are the factions in Divergent and what do they represent?
The society in Divergent is divided into five factions: Abnegation (selflessness), Dauntless (bravery), Candor (honesty), Erudite (intelligence), and Amity (peace). Each faction represents a different virtue and dictates the lifestyle and values of its members. The choice of faction is a pivotal moment in a young person's life, as it determines their identity and future. The factions also serve to highlight the themes of choice and the consequences of societal division.
What challenges does Tris face in her journey?
Tris faces numerous challenges, including the physical and mental trials of Dauntless initiation, the pressure of keeping her Divergence a secret, and the conflicts that arise from her relationships with other initiates. She must navigate the complexities of loyalty, love, and betrayal while also confronting the oppressive nature of her society. These challenges force Tris to grow stronger and more independent, ultimately shaping her into a leader who fights for change.
How does Divergent address the theme of choice?
Divergent emphasizes the importance of choice and the impact it has on identity and freedom. Tris's decision to leave her family's faction of Abnegation for Dauntless illustrates the struggle between personal desires and societal expectations. Throughout the novel, characters grapple with the consequences of their choices, highlighting the idea that true bravery often involves making difficult decisions that defy the norm.
What is the setting of Divergent?
Divergent is set in a dystopian future Chicago, where society is divided into factions to maintain order and prevent conflict. The remnants of the old city, including recognizable landmarks like the Sears Tower, serve as a backdrop for the story. The setting plays a crucial role in shaping the characters' experiences and the societal structure they navigate, reflecting themes of control and rebellion.

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