FACTION STATEMENTS
The stars of ‘Divergent’ consider their place in film’s fictional world
In Veronica Roth’s “Divergent” triology, the author has created a dystopian, futuristic world where teens are forced to choose at age 16 one of five “factions” in which to live for the rest of their lives. Each faction represents the cultivation of a different virtue. Abnegation is all about being selfless and in the service of others; the ones charged with running the community. Erudite are the intelligentsia, the guardians of education and knowledge. Dauntless are all about bravery, risk-taking and physical perfection; the protectors of the community. Amity are the peaceful ones — the happy, playful faction. They also are the ones charged with farming and providing food. Candor is all about seeking the truth — basically the lawyers of the bunch. They love to argue and debate.
Recently, I asked each of the actors playing principal roles in the “Divergent” film (opening Friday) which faction they would choose — as themselves, not their characters — if we lived in Roth’s fictional world.
Shailene Woodley (Tris Prior): I would pick Dauntless. Because I love challenges and I love the feeling of adrenaline coursing through my body. I love that kind of rush. I think it’s fun to
be that kind of tough guy person. But then the second I disagree with the moral integrity of the whole twisted system, I would drop out and become factionless — so I wouldn’t need to be controlled by anybody.
Theo James (Four): I think I would be Dauntless for the fun and the risk-taking. But then I would want to be Erudite for the kind of analytical thinking that goes on with them.
Ansel Elgort (Caleb Prior): We’re lucky enough to live in a world where we don’t have to choose, because that would be terrible to have to choose a place where you’d live the rest of your life — where you’d be so restricted emotionally. But I think I would choose Amity, because their virtue is kindness. They live a sort of simple life. All the other factions live in such a state of drama. They are trying to take each other down. They have corrupt leaders. Where Amity is based on kindness, and with kindness comes acceptance. I think you could be a little bit different there. You don’t have to just one kind of person, and people would accept you.
Ashley Judd (Natalie Prior): I think at different times of my life I would choose different factions. When I went to graduate school I remember weeping with joy in a classroom, because I was so in love with the learning that was going on. So that was very Erudite of me, right? Then there were days when I’d be totally distracted and want to be out in nature — very Amity of me. Fortunately, we don’t have to choose. I love honoring and cultivating the different impulses in me that come to the surface. I think that’s true of most people.
Tony Goldwyn (Andrew Prior): I think I’d be Divergent. There are days I think I’d be following a noble pursuit as is represented by Abnegation. Other days I’d want to be Erudite.
Miles Teller (Peter): Clearly, I’d be Divergent, but then I’d move toward Dauntless. I’d love the fast cars and faster women. Yeah, I’d want to be Dauntless.
Maggie Q (Tori): If I was doing that choosing at 16, I probably would have chosen Abnegation. But as you get older, you get to experience different sides of your personality. And then, at the end of the day, aren’t we all really Divergent?