Divergent by Veronica Roth Basic Review of Plot, Characters, Theme

About the Author: Veronica Roth An American author Born August 19, 1988, in New York and was raised in Barrington, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago) Creative Writing Major (Northwestern University) Divergent was her first novel- sequel Insurgent released last spring- third novel-Allegiant Film rights have been sold

Genre: Dystopian Fiction UTOPIA: An ideal community or the “perfect society” Term comes a book written by Thomas More in 1516 where he creates a fictional island with a perfect social and political system

Dystopia A futuristic, imagined universe in which oppressive societal control and the illusion of a perfect society are maintained through a form of totalitarian control. Criticizes a current trend, societal norm, or political system Characteristics: Restricted information, independent thought, and freedom Worshipped figurehead or concept Fear of the outside world Dehumanization Detachment from nature Conformity

What are some examples of dystopian fiction you have encountered (books and/or movies?

Characters: Beatrice (Tris) Four Eric Peter Christina Jeanine Matthews Beatrice’s mother (Natalie) Beatrice’s father Caleb Al Tori Marcus Uriah Will

Basic Plot Information Setting: Chicago in a future where society has been divided into 5 factions: Abnegation, Dauntless, Erudite, Amity, and Candor At 16 all members of each Faction must choose if they are going to stay with their “birth faction” or leave for another one. Beatrice leaves Abnegation for Dauntless and changes her name to accompany her new identity Tris undergoes the initiation process for Dauntless (What are some major tasks/ events?)

Plot Information Tris attempts the Dauntless initiation to find out some interesting information about the society She falls in love with…. To be “Divergent” means to be Factionless…and this can be very dangerous

Will Tris survive…you will have to read to find out!!!

Themes Courage: means facing your fears, not being fearless. Selflessness is required to be truly courageous. Friendship: requires honesty, forgiveness, and sacrifice. Friendship can make you stronger.

Themes, cont… Identity: is complex; it comes from family, culture, education, and most importantly within. The self cannot be neatly defined or fit in a box; we change, we grow, we are conflicted, but most importantly, we need to make the choice of who we become ourselves.