For a dystopian society, there are an awful lot of choices being made in Four. People get to choose their faction. They get to choose their job, their friends, and their living quarters. Some of them, like our protagonist, even get to choose their own name. What gives? We thought dystopias were about limiting choice, not giving people free reign.
That might be your initial reaction, but just how much impact do these choices actually have? None, actually. They are about as impactful on society at large as getting a choice of accessories. It's the illusion of choice… but with people like Tris and Four at the helm, they might be able to turn those choices into a new world.
Questions About Choice
- Why does Tobias choose Dauntless? What other choices does he make to alter his life's path?
- How is the aptitude test and Choosing Ceremony different than similar rituals in other books, like the Sorting Hat in Harry Potter or the Reaping in The Hunger Games?
- How do faction leaders limit or control the choices of their citizens?
- What choices does Four have to make at the end of these stories? Have you read Divergent? Are you surprised which choices Four makes?