Divergent is a 2011 young adult dystopian thriller, marking the debut of American author Veronica Roth. The first installment in a trilogy, the novel is set in a postapocalyptic version of Chicago. This highly polarized society is divided into five factions, each representing a distinct virtue: Abnegation (the selfless), Amity (the peaceful), Candor (the honest), Dauntless (the brave), and Erudite (the intelligent). At the age of 16, every individual must choose a faction to which they will devote the rest of their life. Divergent revolves around Beatrice Prior, opening shortly before her 16th birthday,
Beatrice chooses to leave her family's faction, Abnegation, to join Dauntless. Her journey involves a grueling initiation process, during which she adopts the name Tris and comes to terms with her identity. Tris faces multiple challenges, including intense physical trials, psychological simulations, and navigating relationships with her fellow initiates and an instructor known as Four. Her path forward is complicated when she learns that she is Divergent, meaning she does not fit into any one faction—a dangerous secret in a strictly divided society, where independent thinking is discouraged.
Tris uncovers a growing conflict threatening her society and learns her Divergence could either save or destroy the people she loves. As she navigates through these revelations, Divergent has been compared to other dystopian YA novels, notably The Hunger Games, for its strong female lead and high-stakes adventure. The novel has received attention not just for its compelling storyline and complex characters but also for opening discussion about societal norms, individuality, the price of sacrifices for the greater good, and the pressure of conformity.
An immediate success, the novel inspired a film adaptation, released in 2014, directed by Neil Burger and starring Shailene Woodley as Tris and Theo James as Four. Divergent remains a significant work of dystopian fiction, prompting reflection on the search for identity and purpose and societal ideals and pressures while providing action-packed tension to keep readers gripped.
Themes
Identity and self-discovery
Choice and its consequences
Social structure and class division
The importance of bravery and courage
Individualism vs. conformity
The nature of secrets and lies
The struggle against societal control
Adolescence and the transition to adulthood
Knowledge, ignorance, and the pursuit of truth
Violence and its psychological impacts
Moral integrity and ethical dilemmas
Family bonds and loyalty
The power of love and friendship
Fear and overcoming personal obstacles
Setting
Divergent is set in a dystopian future version of Chicago. Society has been divided into five factions, each dedicated to cultivating a particular virtue: Candor (honesty), Abnegation (selflessness), Dauntless (bravery), Amity (peacefulness), and Erudite (intelligence). At the age of 16, every person must choose which faction to join for the rest of their life.
The novel's events take place primarily within the confines of a postapocalyptic Chicago, as well as the various faction headquarters located throughout the city. Notable locations include the Dauntless compound, which is situated in an abandoned building surrounded by dilapidated infrastructure, and the Abnegation sector, where the selfless faction resides. Iconic Chicago landmarks like the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower and elevated train tracks are also described as part of the novel's dystopian landscape.
While the exact time period is not specified, the story portrays a society that has rebuilt itself after some unspecified cataclysmic event, adopting a rigid faction system within the remnants of Chicago. The city serves as the contained setting for the novel's exploration of themes such as identity, social structure, fear of defying norms, and the risks and rewards of nonconformity.
Characters
Beatrice "Tris" Prior: The protagonist. Tris is Divergent, meaning she does not fit into any one faction but shows aptitude for multiple ones. She chooses to leave her original faction, Abnegation, to join Dauntless.
Tobias "Four" Eaton: A Dauntless instructor who forms a romantic relationship with Tris. He is also Divergent and the son of Marcus, an Abnegation leader.
Christina: A fellow Dauntless initiate and friend of Tris.
Will: A fellow Dauntless initiate who becomes friends with Tris.
Al: A Dauntless initiate who has feelings for Tris but later commits suicide after a failed attempt to harm her.
Peter: A fellow Dauntless initiate who constantly antagonizes Tris and her friends.
Andrew Prior: Tris and Caleb's father, a member of Abnegation.
Natalie Prior: Tris and Caleb's mother, who is revealed to have been Divergent.
Caleb Prior: Tris's brother, who chooses to join Erudite.
Jeanine Matthews: The main antagonist of the story. Leader of the Erudite faction and mastermind behind the attack on Abnegation using mind-controlled Dauntless soldiers.
Eric: A Dauntless leader who represents the cruel and ruthless side of the faction.
Tori: The Dauntless member who administers Tris's aptitude test and warns her about being Divergent.
Marcus Eaton: Four's abusive father and a prominent Abnegation leader.
FAQs
What is the main premise or plot of Divergent?
Divergent is set in a dystopian society in Chicago where people are divided into five factions based on their personality traits. The main character, Beatrice "Tris" Prior, must choose which faction to join at age 16 and goes through a highly competitive initiation process to join the Dauntless faction, the brave ones. However, she has a secret—she is Divergent and doesn't fit into any one faction.
Who are the main characters in the novel?
The main characters are Beatrice "Tris" Prior; Tobias "Four" Eaton, her instructor in Dauntless; and antagonist Jeanine Matthews, the leader of the Erudite faction.
What is the significance of the factions in the novel's society?
The factions represent different virtues that the society values: Abnegation (selfless), Amity (peaceful), Candor (honest), Dauntless (brave), and Erudite (intelligent). People are sorted into these factions based on their personality and must adhere to the values of their chosen faction.
What is the central conflict or problem in the story?
The central conflict in Divergent arises when the Erudite faction, led by Jeanine Matthews, plans to overthrow the Abnegation leadership and take control of the society. Tris, being Divergent, is caught in the middle of this conflict and must fight against the Erudite's plans.
What is the significance of being "Divergent"?
Being Divergent means Tris has an aptitude for multiple factions, which is considered dangerous in this society. It allows her to think independently and resist mind control, giving her an advantage during the initiation process but also making her a threat to the system.
What are the major themes explored in the novel?
Major themes in Divergent include identity, conformity vs. individuality, the dangers of strict social structures, the allure of power, and the role of violence and fear in society.
How does the novel approach the topic of violence?
Divergent features considerable violence, particularly during the initiation process for the Dauntless faction, which involves physical tests of endurance and psychological simulations exposing the initiates to their fears. This violence is depicted as a means of conditioning and preparation.
What is the significance of the dystopian setting?
The dystopian society in Divergent serves as a commentary on the dangers of rigid social structures, conformity, and the suppression of individuality. It explores how such systems can lead to oppression and conflict.
How does the novel approach romantic relationships?
A romantic subplot develops between Tris and Four, her instructor in the Dauntless faction. Their relationship is complicated by the societal divisions and the challenges they face during the initiation process.
Does the novel include themes or perspectives related to Christianity?
While not overtly Christian, some reviewers have noted Christian themes or perspectives in Divergent, likely influenced by the author's professed Christian faith. This includes the idea of fighting against societal restrictions, making sacrifices for the greater good, and finding your inner strength.
Has Divergent inspired any adaptations?
Divergent was adapted into a movie in 2014, directed by Neil Burger and starring Shailene Woodley as Tris and Theo James as Four.
Quotes
"We believe in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives one person to stand up for another."
"Becoming fearless isn't the point. That's impossible. It's learning how to control your fear, and how to be free from it."
"I have a theory that selflessness and bravery aren't all that different."
"Fear doesn't shut you down; it wakes you up."
"A brave man acknowledges the strength of others."
"I am selfish. I am brave."
"Politeness is deception in pretty packaging."
Quick facts
Veronica Roth wrote Divergent while she was on winter break from her senior year at Northwestern University, and sold the movie rights to her debut novel before she had graduated from college.
Initially, Roth planned to set Divergent in a fictional city. She decided on the setting of postapocalyptic Chicago after she realized her imagined city matched the one she knew and loved.
Divergent debuted on the New York Times bestseller list and remained there for 11 weeks, showcasing its popularity early on.
The movie adaptation of Divergent significantly increased its production budget from $40 million to $85 million, evidently due to the success of similar films like The Hunger Games.
The film Divergent was almost entirely shot in Chicago, staying true to the novel's setting.
Divergent won Favorite Book of 2011 in the Goodreads Choice Awards and the senior category of the 2014 Young Reader's Choice Award.
About the author
Veronica Anne Roth,is an American novelist and short story writer, best known for her works of young adult fantasy and science fiction. Born on August 19, 1988, in New York City, she moved to Barrington, Illinois, following her parents' divorce when she was five. Raised primarily by her mother and stepfather, she grew up in an environment rich with artistic and religious diversity. Roth pursued her passion for writing at Northwestern University, and wrote her debut novel, Divergent, during the winter break of her senior year. The success was swift, with publishing and film rights sold before her graduation in 2010.
The Divergent trilogy, which includes Insurgent and Allegiant, has sold more than 35 million copies worldwide. Roth has expanded the Divergent universe with short stories and a collection focusing on Tobias Eaton's viewpoint. Beyond the dystopian genre, her works include Carve the Mark and its sequel, The Fates Divide, as well as standalone novels and short stories exploring futuristic themes.
Veronica Roth received the 2011 Goodreads Favorite Book and several Goodreads Choice Awards for her contributions to young adult fantasy and science fiction. She lives in Chicago with her husband and their dog.
