The Morals in a Story

Divergent. The name intrigued me, yet as I read the book jacket I was very skeptical. "This is just going to be a Hunger Games knockoff," I thought to myself. A Female, teenage protagonist is upset with the current government system, so she helps in a revolt to over through the system. I am glad to say that I was very much mistaken.

This Book brought a somewhat fresh view to the Dystopian novel. Beatrice Prior lived her life without challenging the government because there was no need to do so. In Divergent the city of Chicago is divided into five factions (or character traits.) When a teenager turned sixteen they were required to decide which faction they would spend the rest of their life in. In many novels the government is intrinsically evil, but because of the way the factions are divided those who don't care for power possess it. This creates a balance in the government of the city. Each faction has their specific tasks and they stick to them. All in all the system is pretty unique and the concept of a few Divergents slipping through the system works well in the plot. That being said I did have quite a few issues with. 

While I initially enjoyed reading Divergent, overtime it lost some of its thrill. There were many spots where it just fell flat. I would read for a few pages and then have to re-read because my mind had wandered. (Maybe it was just me so don't hold it against it though.) It also felt very reminiscent of 1984. having to be careful what you say, where you go, what you let them know that you know and very gray and colorless. My major problem was the moral aspect. Morality is something very lacking in today's culture and after reading this book I'm not surprised why. Tris 'falls in love' with Four just by watching him. There was not much getting to know about him or his character, but just a physical attraction. The kisses they shared seemed very sensual and inappropriate for a sixteen year old girl. While nothing to physical happened there was plenty of opportunities and innuendos.

So what did I think of the book? Well, I think Divergent is an thrilling story with a unique plot and many surprising twists and turns, but it contained quite a bit of material that I found inappropriate and some of the setting seemed old and overused. I hope you found my opinions helpful, but sadly I would have to say I would not recommend Divergent.

I rate it 2 out of 5 faction tattoos

Lance Fillmore (PSEUD)

 Divergent has been turned into a movie that will be released sometime this year. Click below for the trailer.