In the following, I will show and analyze the system of the factions in The Divergent by Verona Roth and its abuse ruled by the government as well as the system of the factions. I will consider how the factions interact. The relationships between and within the factions are important aspects, too. My term paper should prove that the social construct of society is abused by the government.
Veronica Roth has written a trilogy of this dystopian novel. They are called firstly The Divergent (2011), secondly The Insurgent (2012) and thirdly The Allegiant (2013).
My primary source for this paper will be the first edition The Divergent so that I can get more into depth while analyzing. Involving all books would exceed the frame of the paper.
Moreover, I will use public journals, newspaper, and secondary literature to underline the relevance of the topic for society in recent years. I will also use the novel The Hunger Games (2012) written by Suzanne Collins in some cases to find similarities and differences in dystopian, young adult fiction literature.
The government abuses its power to control the majority of the population in the fictional future city Chicago. Protagonist in the novel is Beatrice Prior who will take the main space for my citations and arguments in this paper. Her thoughts and actions represent the power and discipline that young adults can show, in this case in literature.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Governmental power in The Divergent
- 3. System of the factions
- 4. Tris' power
- 5. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper analyzes the abuse of social constructs within the faction system depicted in Veronica Roth's The Divergent. It examines how the government manipulates and controls the population through this system, focusing on the interactions and relationships between the factions. The paper aims to demonstrate how the social construct of society is abused by the governing power in the novel.
- Governmental control and manipulation of the population
- The role and function of the faction system
- The impact of the faction system on individual identity and freedom
- Psychological control mechanisms employed by the government
- Comparison with other dystopian young adult fiction, specifically The Hunger Games
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the central argument—that the social construct of society is abused by the government in The Divergent—by contrasting the views of Margaret Thatcher and Oscar Wilde on the nature of society. It introduces Beatrice Prior (Tris) as the protagonist and outlines the scope of the paper, focusing on the first book of the Divergent trilogy and using secondary sources to contextualize the themes within contemporary society and young adult dystopian fiction. The chapter establishes the conflict between individual freedom and societal control as a central theme.
2. Governmental power in The Divergent: This chapter explores the methods employed by the government in The Divergent to maintain control over its citizens. The government's creation of five factions—Abnegation, Candor, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite—is presented as a tool for preventing war and enforcing peace, but the chapter argues that this system functions as a means of suppressing dissent and controlling the population. The chapter highlights the Abnegation's role in governing, the use of psychological testing and control, and the physical barrier of the city's fence as methods of social control. The contrast with the more overtly oppressive government in The Hunger Games is briefly introduced.
Keywords
Dystopian fiction, social control, faction system, government manipulation, psychological control, individual freedom, identity, The Divergent, Veronica Roth, The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins, social constructs, Abnegation, Erudite, Dauntless, Beatrice Prior (Tris).
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Governmental Power and Social Constructs in Veronica Roth's *The Divergent*
What is the main focus of this academic paper?
This paper analyzes how the government in Veronica Roth's *The Divergent* abuses social constructs within the faction system to manipulate and control its population. It examines the system's impact on individual identity and freedom, exploring the government's methods of psychological control and comparing it to other dystopian young adult fiction, particularly *The Hunger Games*.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The key themes include governmental control and manipulation, the function of the faction system, the impact of the system on individual identity and freedom, psychological control mechanisms, and a comparison with *The Hunger Games*. The central conflict revolves around the tension between individual freedom and societal control.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured into five chapters: an introduction establishing the central argument and scope; a chapter detailing governmental power and control methods in *The Divergent*; a chapter focusing on the faction system; a chapter analyzing Tris's role and power; and a concluding chapter. The paper also includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
How does the paper analyze governmental control in *The Divergent*?
The paper examines the creation and function of the five factions (Abnegation, Candor, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite) as tools for controlling the population and suppressing dissent. It analyzes the Abnegation's role in governing, the use of psychological testing, the physical barriers of the city, and contrasts this with the more overtly oppressive government in *The Hunger Games*.
What is the role of the faction system in the novel, according to the paper?
The paper argues that the faction system, while presented as a means of preventing war and enforcing peace, is actually a tool for suppressing dissent and controlling the population. It impacts individual identity and freedom by limiting choices and enforcing conformity.
What role does Beatrice "Tris" Prior play in the analysis?
Beatrice "Tris" Prior serves as the protagonist through whom the analysis of the faction system and governmental control unfolds. Her experiences and choices illustrate the impact of the system on individuals.
What other works are referenced in this analysis?
The analysis draws comparisons between *The Divergent* and Suzanne Collins' *The Hunger Games*, highlighting similarities and differences in their portrayals of dystopian government and social control.
What are the key keywords associated with this analysis?
Key terms include: dystopian fiction, social control, faction system, government manipulation, psychological control, individual freedom, identity, *The Divergent*, Veronica Roth, *The Hunger Games*, Suzanne Collins, social constructs, Abnegation, Erudite, Dauntless, and Beatrice Prior (Tris).
- Quote paper
- Sarah Bukowski (Author), 2019, Abuse of social constructs with the help of factions in Veronica Roth’s "The Divergent", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1176138
