Belonging In Divergent

In the dystopian world of Divergent, written by Veronica Roth, the city behind the wall is categorised within five factions which focuses on and upholds five core values: selflessness, honesty, bravery, peace and intelligence. The faction system facilitates to many characters in having a sense of belonging, though it values allegiance above all else, though fails to entitle individuality, making a few characters feel as though they are strangers to the city of Chicago. In the novel, Caleb Prior always knew in his heart he was born for Erudite, though he understood if he did not respect Abnegations values of selflessness he would no longer belong leaving him to be an outsider. On the other hand, the protagonist in the novel, Tris Prior never really had a sense of belonging due to her divergence, whilst one of her close friends Al, does

Prior to leaving Abnegation on choosing day, Caleb Prior states to his sister Tris “We should think of our family, but we should also think of ourselves” (p.36). There are several reasons for Caleb to say this to Tris, he either wants his sister to stay in Abnegation or is telling her that he does not belong in Abnegation and is going to transfer factions. With this in mind, Caleb was always seen as a selfless person who would help everyone even if they were not known to Caleb. This was always a core belief and expectation within Abnegation which is evident when Caleb gave up his seat on the bus to a Candor man when heading to the aptitude test. As the aptitude test is complete and choosing day arrives Caleb’s journey now begins in his new faction Erudite. As the initiation process begins Caleb is exposed to a new understanding of what Erudites plans where, with this in mind Caleb breaks the moto “Faction before Blood” (p.43) to give peace to what’s left of his