Beginning summary of the book divergent (1-2 paragraphs)

English · Middle School · Thu Feb 04 2021

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"Divergent" is a young adult science fiction novel by Veronica Roth, set in a dystopian version of Chicago where society is divided into five factions based on human virtues. These factions are Abnegation (selflessness), Amity (peacefulness), Candor (honesty), Dauntless (bravery), and Erudite (intelligence). At the age of sixteen, individuals must take an aptitude test that recommends their best-fit faction, and then they must decide whether to stay with their family's faction or transfer to a new one.

The story follows Beatrice "Tris" Prior, who grows up in Abnegation but feels she doesn't fit in. During her aptitude test, she discovers she is Divergent, meaning she has an aptitude for more than one faction. Being Divergent is considered dangerous in this society, as it is seen as a threat to the structured way of life. On Choosing Day, Tris makes the difficult decision to leave her family and join Dauntless. As she starts her new life, she changes her name to Tris and struggles to fit into the Dauntless way of life, while hiding her Divergence and unraveling the conflicts that arise within her society.

Extra: The concept of "Divergent" rests on the idea that a society is trying to maintain order by categorizing its citizens into rigid groups that highlight certain virtues. This is a reflection of the human tendency to simplify complexity by putting things into boxes or categories. The novel examines themes like identity, belonging, and the cost of societal conformity. The notion of Divergence challenges this system, as it poses a threat to a society which relies on people being predictable and fitting into a predetermined mold. Roth's world-building is especially appealing to young readers as it parallels the adolescent struggle to find one's identity and place in the world, making "Divergent" a compelling read for a school student who may be grappling with similar issues of self-discovery and fitting in.

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