A Closer Look: Dystopian Literature And Our Society
by Vanessa P. of HIgh Tech High International '14
There are many types of governments, but which one is the best? Which one is the worst? In the Divergent series, all three novels present us with a dystopian future society. They compel us to regard and recognize the realities of our modern day society and the possibility that we could, even without realizing it, fall victim to those forces that could strip us of our individuality and freedom. What drew me to read this series was the setting of the dystopian world in which the characters live in. The government created a world where everyone was forced to act in accordance to one ideal, to live as a homogenous society. But when that ideal is challenged, everything falls apart. This series proves that when people in control try to inhibit thoughts in their citizens either subtly or through force, their power will only be temporary, as it goes against human nature.
|
Click to see larger image.
|
Click to view and download PDF
|
Divergent
by Veronica Roth - 487 pages Sixteen-year-old Beatrice Prior lives in a dystopian future version of Chicago where society is divided into five different factions, and each of them are dedicated to one virtue. When Beatrice turns sixteen, she decides to join Dauntless, which is not nearly as easy as she thought it would be. With the start of a possible new life for her, she decides to rename herself Tris. With her fellow initiates, she struggles to overcome extreme and sometimes harsh physical tests of endurance, along with intense psychological simulations. Throughout the initiation, Tris is faced with determining who her true friends are, and the brewing romance between herself and her instructor-- all while keeping her true identity as a Divergent a secret, becauses if she doesn’t, the consequences could be deadly. This action-packed plot line is filled with thrilling action, violence, and even some romance that will definitely interest every teen. |
Insurgent
by Veronica Roth - 525 pages If “One Choice Can Transform You,” then can the other destroy you? In the book Insurgent, the sequel to Divergent, the main character, Tris, has a lot of choices to make and many of them have serious consequences. As the plot progresses in the dystopian world that the story takes place in, Tris is faced with either supporting her boyfriend and fighting to eliminate the faction has wronged everyone, or doing what is morally right and helping her enemy reveal life-changing information about a world beyond the wall that is in need of their help. But when given a choice for change, many people choose to cling to what they know because they are afraid, even if that change is for the greater good. In Insurgent, the setting is darker and even more exciting than its predecessor. With each chapter, the stakes are higher and will leave you wanting more... And that’s exactly what you’ll get. |
Allegiant
by Veronica Roth - 526 pages The third and final installment to the Divergent trilogy; what’s gonna happen? Now, the faction-based society that Tris believes in has collapsed due to violence, power struggles, loss, and betrayal. When offered a chance to explore the world beyond the limits she has always known, Tris is more than ready. But Tris’s new reality is even more distressing than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are now rendered meaningless, and insane new truths change the hearts of those she loves. Once again, Tris must fight to understand what life has thrown at her: the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love. The final addition to the Divergent trilogy brings everything to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that, with the heart pounding and riveting plot, will leave readers speechless. |