Divergent vs. Property

Attribute	Divergent	Property
Definition	A person or thing that diverges from a standard or norm	Something owned by a person or entity
Examples	Different opinions, beliefs, or characteristics	Land, buildings, or possessions
Usage	Often used in the context of individuality or uniqueness	Commonly used in legal or financial contexts
Origin	Derived from the Latin word "divergere" meaning "to separate"	Derived from the Latin word "proprietas" meaning "ownership"

Plot

Divergent is a young adult dystopian novel set in a future society where people are divided into factions based on their personalities. The story follows the protagonist, Tris Prior, as she discovers she is Divergent and does not fit into any one faction. She must navigate the dangerous world of the factions and uncover a conspiracy that threatens the stability of society.

Property, on the other hand, is a historical fiction novel set in the antebellum South. The story revolves around Manon Gaudet, a young slave girl who is given as a wedding gift to a wealthy plantation owner. As Manon grows up, she must navigate the complexities of her relationships with the other slaves on the plantation and the white family who owns them.

Themes

Both Divergent and Property explore themes of identity and belonging. In Divergent, Tris struggles to find her place in a society that values conformity and obedience. She must confront her own fears and insecurities in order to embrace her true self. In Property, Manon grapples with her identity as a slave and the limitations placed on her by the institution of slavery. She must find a way to assert her agency and autonomy in a system that seeks to dehumanize her.

Character Development

One of the strengths of Divergent is its focus on character development. Tris undergoes a significant transformation throughout the novel, evolving from a timid and uncertain young woman into a brave and confident leader. Her relationships with other characters, particularly her love interest Four, play a crucial role in her development. In contrast, Property places less emphasis on individual character development and more on the collective experiences of the slaves on the plantation. Manon's growth is more subtle and nuanced, reflecting the challenges faced by enslaved people in asserting their humanity in a dehumanizing system.

Setting

The settings of Divergent and Property are vastly different, reflecting the distinct genres and time periods of the two novels. Divergent is set in a futuristic dystopian Chicago, where society is divided into factions based on personality traits. The city is a bleak and oppressive environment, characterized by strict rules and surveillance. In contrast, Property is set in the lush and oppressive landscape of the antebellum South. The plantation where Manon lives is a place of beauty and brutality, where the natural world coexists with the horrors of slavery.

Writing Style

Veronica Roth, the author of Divergent, employs a fast-paced and action-packed writing style that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Her prose is straightforward and accessible, making the complex world of the novel easy to understand. Valerie Martin, the author of Property, uses a more lyrical and introspective writing style that invites readers to reflect on the deeper themes of the novel. Her descriptions of the natural world and the inner thoughts of her characters create a rich and immersive reading experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Divergent and Property are two novels that explore themes of identity, belonging, and power in distinct ways. While Divergent focuses on the individual journey of a young woman in a dystopian society, Property delves into the collective experiences of enslaved people in the antebellum South. Both novels offer compelling narratives and complex characters that will resonate with readers long after they have finished the last page.