Society and the caste system
Throughout the series, the caste system has been an upcoming problem, frequently discussed between the different characters. The solution is finally proposed and put into action in the end of the book, after a lot of hard work and dedication from various characters, though mostly evident through the protagonist America and the Northern rebels. There are many societies that have this type of caste system, though not as evident and clear. If you are born into a poor family, even one in a western country such as the USA, the chances of climbing in ranks and becoming a millionaire are a lot smaller than if you were the child of a millionaire.
Femininity and Power
In this dystopian world created by Kiera Cass, women are objects men own. They have close to no power and are not expected to be the breadwinner of any family. Instead, they are pretty little things ready to be used. Even the wealthiest women, princesses of other countries, are sold off as business deals, instead of being trained to rule. An exception to this in the book is, of course, the protagonist: America. She has fought for what she believed in since the beginning, and made a change in the society she lived in. She never let anyone tell her what to do, unless she wanted to do it, and she stayed strong and (somewhat) independent. Even though she probably doesn’t know what a feminist is, she sure is one.
Poverty
This theme goes a bit under the first theme, but it is just as important and prominent. America Singer comes from a very poor family, and the only way she could rise up in the caste system was through the Selection. She understands this but coming from a caste living under such horrible circumstances she understands that a change has to be made, and not just for her, for everyone. Real poverty is not just explained in the book, it is experienced through memories and stories, which makes it so much more real. The readers are touched and are left behind with a new knowledge of how it is to be poor, not have enough to eat or care for even your closest family and friends. The book sends a clear message; no one deserves to be treated worse than others.
