Warning: Major spoilers ahead for Allegiant by Veronica Roth.
Summary
It’s been 11 years since Veronica Roth’sDivergenttrilogy ended, and despite the harsh backlash the final book received,I still can’t bring myself to hateAllegiant.Allegiant’s ending packed a powerful punch, and it took a turn that many readers weren’t expecting. Because of this,Allegianthas received a lot of criticism since its debut. Despite it being one ofVeronica Roth’s best books,Allegiantis the most divisive of theDivergenttrilogy. And while I understand some readers' disappointment with the finale, I just don’t agree.
After the trilogy lulled duringInsurgent, Allegiantbrought it roaring back to life. It didn’t quite reach the heights of the iconic first book, but it stuck the landing — even if it left some tears in its wake.Allegiant’s ending was far from traditional, but I truly think it works. I appreciated it the first time I read the book, and more than a decade later,I’m even more convinced that Roth made the right choice.
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Allegiant’s Ending Has Only Grown On Me After The Divergent Trilogy Ended
The Further I Get From The Books, The More I Feel Veronica Roth Was Right
It’s been a while since I readAllegiantfor the first time, and the controversy surrounding its ending has died down significantly. With theDivergentmovies ending withoutAscendant,the dystopian series shifted to the back of people’s minds. Given how divisive the final book was, it was no surprise it didn’t continue to dominate conversations.But the further I get from theDivergentera, the moreAllegiant’s ending grows on me. The more distant the books are, the more I’m able to look at them objectively — andI believe that tragic conclusion was worth it.
The further I get from theDivergentera, the moreAllegiant’s ending grows on me.
The main issue people had withAllegiant’s ending was Tris dying rather than experiencing life free of the corrupt system she helped take down. Tris no doubt deserved a better fate than the one she got. But killingDivergent’s lead was a hugely bold move on Roth’s part — one that ensured the finale would never be forgotten. Not many YA books have the guts to kill off their main character, andthis madeAllegiantstand out for how raw and emotional it was. It felt like a proper ending, even if it was a difficult one for readers to accept.
I Understand Allegiant’s Backlash (But I Just Can’t Agree With It)
Allegiant Delivered A Powerful Ending To The Divergent Trilogy
I understand why so many people dislikeAllegiant’s ending, as readers grew to love Tris over the course of theDivergenttrilogy. From her stubborn attitude to her bravery and wit, Tris proved an easy protagonist to root for. Her flaws made her relatable, and readers seeing themselves in Tris likely made it more difficult to say goodbye. Tris' death also wasn’t the norm; the shock of it alone left many people feeling hurt or angered by the finalDivergentbook, even though death is always surprising under such circumstances.
Even though I get why people don’t likeAllegiant,I can’t help but disagree with their perspectives. For one, condemning the entire novel for one of its final moments doesn’t sit well with me. There’s a lot to love aboutAllegiantregardless of its conclusion. It significantly expands Roth’s fictional world, and it takes readers on a gripping ride. And even the ending works.The sudden nature of Tris' death inAllegiantmade for a powerful sendoff, and it reaffirmed everything we knew aboutDivergent’s world. It also proved a perfect ending for Tris' character.
Why Tris' Death Was The Perfect Way To End The Divergent Trilogy
It Reaffirmed The Stakes & Gave Tris A Great Send-Off
Tris' death is the most devastating moment in theDivergenttrilogy, but it was also the perfect way to end the books.Roth spent three novels establishing the dangers of her world, as well as the risks that accompany rebellion. If there weren’t any major consequences, such world-building wouldn’t feel genuine. Having a dystopian series end with the death of a prominent character — the main character — really drives home the stakes of the story.
Tris' ending also made sense for her character arc, as her behavior throughoutAllegiantbuilt up to her inevitable end.Divergent’s heroine repeatedly put her life on the line in the final installment, and that was bound to backfire at some point. The fact that she died saving someone she cared about made it all the more satisfying — and much more in character. WhileAllegiant’s ending wasn’t perfect, it was in line with everythingDivergentandInsurgenthad set up. It’s a shame it still doesn’t get the applause it rightfully deserves.
