an oppressive hand
by Michael L. of HIgh Tech High International '14
Governments are constantly trying to improve in any way they can. Authors these days seem to think that our government is going to take a turn for the worst in the near future--or at least believe it would make things interesting. In these novels the changes are extreme. It’s always an oppressive hand that is pushing down on all citizens in the society. Governments want to push people to do a certain thing, or be a certain way-- they always try to dehumanize being human. And, while it may seem perfect from the outside, there will always be outstanding issues. And, something, or someone will try to rebel. In most ends, there are winners and losers, and we find out that nothing is perfect.
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Divergent
Veronica Roth - 487 pages In Veronica Roth’s Divergent, sixteen-year-olds take an Aptitude Test. This test will determine where they will live for the rest of their lives. The test results will tell you which of the five factions you should be placed in: Abnegation, Erudite, Dauntless, Amity, and Candor. Each of the factions represent a different characteristic. For example, those in Abnegation are selflessness, and those whose are Dauntless are courageous. While life may see simple from the outside, great mysteries lurk through the city. There will always be people that don’t fit into only one category. Because of this the government started calling these people “Divergent” and branded them as outcasts. |
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Legend Marie Lu - 305 pages Legend, by Marie Lu, follows the two lives of two young prodigies. Lu pulls you in by switching between the two characters perspectives. Day, a fugitive in a post US plague filled world, is trying to survive in a hard world. But, his attempts are soon stumped by a girl, June, as he goes after bigger things. Day’s obstacles could not be more substantial as he tries to save his younger brother. The evil, corrupt government will stop at nothing to make sure Day does not succeed, but what happens when the tables turn, will forever change Day’s life. |