Next to the Divergent: Disability in the “Divergent” Trilogy

Abstract

This paper analyses how the Divergent trilogy by Veronica Roth addresses cognitive and physiological disability through the medical and social models of disability. The trilogy shows how people perceive difference, and how those same people who have differences such as mental divergence can contaminate the people around them. The trilogy reveals responsibilities of society in the treatment of disability—both the lack of social understanding and tolerance, and the social acceptance of those who are different. The characters help their society to move toward a society that accepts disability.