Book Review – “Divergent” Dystopia Thrills
Everyday people make decisions based on core beliefs. Some value honesty and bravery, others the pursuit of knowledge, but rarely does a person base every single decision throughout their life on one sole value. Veronica Roth’s “Divergent” wields a world in which children are raised by only one virtue—the virtue their parents believe will lead to world harmony. The citizens live in one of five factions in a futuristic society, set where modern-day Chicago currently resides. Each faction values a different ideal: Abnegation, or selflessness; Amenity, peace; Candor, honesty; Dauntless, bravery; Erudite, knowledge. For example, a child raised in Candor would be taught to be brutally honest without regard for anything else, including the feelings of others. A child raised in Abnegation would be raised to be completely selfless, always putting others needs above her own.