America Singer and her family are tired of being broke. There's not much they can do about it, but there is one shred of hope: every now and then, the country holds something called The Selection, a competition in which thirty-five girls fight for the heart of the prince and, as a result, control over Illéa. And America has been Selected. Although this just seems like a way for the family to make some quick cash at first, America comes to realize that she might be able to change her country for the better and help struggling families just like hers.
Questions About Poverty
- How does the Singer family adapt to living in poverty?
- Will Maxon's plans actually help lessen poverty in Illéa? Why or why not?
- How does the caste system enforce mandated poverty?
- Did America benefit in any way from being poor?