The Elite

The Need to Protect the Vulnerable surfaces in this section as America is forced to consider threats to the way life in the palace and Illéa are ordered. The shock of Marlee’s capture and punishment upsets America on several levels: Marlee was her closest friend in the Selection but kept this secret, which makes America question the level of their friendship and the trust she thought they were developing—a suspicion that parallels her new doubt about how well she knows and understands Maxon. This marks a turning point in America’s character development, as she begins to realize the facade maintained by the palace and the true cost of participating in the Selection. The graphic and public nature of Marlee’s punishment exposes the harsh reality behind the royal image and serves as a catalyst for America’s growing awareness of systemic injustices.

Marlee was the one girl America did not feel competitive with, as she knew Marlee did not want Maxon; rather, Marlee confirmed that America was Maxon’s choice. With Marlee being cast out of the Selection under such extreme terms, America realizes she can’t continue to witness such injustices, and her belief that she can’t belong in this world is thus confirmed. Marlee’s punishment also functions as a symbol of the palace’s control over its participants, reinforcing the theme of Rebellion Against Expectations and Authority. By punishing Marlee and Carter so severely, the palace sends a message about what happens to those who reject the rules or challenge the royal family’s control, highlighting the dangers of dissent.

The episode with Marlee also highlights the misuse of power. Though the law states that punishment is required for what is considered treason against the royal family, America feels that this level of cruelty is uncalled for; the crime being punished is that Marlee, as a member of the Selection, did not consider herself the property of the prince. Officer Woodwork does not consider himself the property of the palace, and that lack of respect to the royals seems the real crime being punished, an outrage to which America, with her wish for fairness and justice, protests. This situation forces America to grapple with her own complicity, as she recognizes that she has been engaging in similar secret behavior with Aspen. It also brings into sharp relief the contrast between her ideals and the reality of the monarchy’s rule, deepening her internal conflict about her place in the Selection.

When it seems that Maxon is unable to share this sense of injustice, or act against it, America distances herself, and this allows Aspen to step in as her safeguard. He offers familiarity and security—things America is looking for, as the continued scrutiny and judgment of the Selection casts her into self-doubt. However, this switch in her loyalties adds to her confusion over her Choice Among Competing Affections, and a great deal of America’s conflict stems from being unable to decide what she wants most: to be loved, to become a princess, or simply win the Selection to prove her worth to all who doubt her. This choice becomes a reflection of her larger decision about whether she wants a future tied to her past and the comfort of Aspen, or one that embraces the unknown potential of her relationship with Maxon and the responsibilities that come with it. This lack of a fixed goal also shows her comparative lack of maturity in terms of her character growth, which drives the novel’s conflict.

The competition between the girls further illustrates how America is struggling to find her place, especially since, with Maxon’s developing affection for Kriss, it seems America is no longer the clear favorite. This, too, is a blow to her standing and her self-confidence. Moreover, their occupations are to compete at exhibiting princess qualities, like the ability to host receptions, which America has never been good at. The queen’s regal presence suggests that her successor is expected to act and look as she does, demonstrating the same skills. As shown by her sprint for the woods in the rebel attack, America feels less suited to these domestic tasks. Her impulsive actions, like running into the woods, highlight her instinct for freedom and rebellion, further setting her apart from the other Elite girls who are more concerned with appearances and compliance. However, her competitive instinct awakens at the receptions, highlighting a deeper instinct that will ultimately bind her to Maxon at the end of the novel.

The rebels also indicate dissatisfaction with the way things are run in Illéa, and the rebel girl stealing books is a reflection of America, who is reading Gregory Illéa’s diary in secret and learning about the foundations of the new country. This opens her eyes to the problematic assumptions about power, worth, and the manipulation of image—all concerns that America is also dealing with. The act of stealing books symbolizes a rebellion against the control of information and the palace’s narrative, mirroring America’s quest for truth and knowledge. The books serve as a symbol of hidden history and the power that comes from understanding the past, a theme that is further explored as America delves deeper into Gregory Illéa’s diary. However, while she looks to Gregory as mentor, she finds that the instruction and advice she most values comes from her father. 

America’s family also represents the varying ways the ruling family is perceived by their subjects. America’s father is able to evaluate life in Illéa with a critical eye, seeing the flaws and injustices, while America’s mother and her brother, Kota, are concerned with working within the system and winning royal favor. This dynamic sets up a contrast between America’s idealism and her family’s pragmatism, reinforcing the theme of Rebellion Against Expectations and Authority. The differing views within her own family provide a glimpse of the broader societal divide in Illéa between those who accept the status quo and those who seek change. The same choice confronts America: to conform to the system, or challenge what she sees is unfair. Laying the ground for America’s coming rebellion, her father confirms that America’s overall judgment is sound, encouraging her to question what she could—or should—change about her world. This sets the stage for America’s evolving role as a potential leader who could reshape Illéa’s future, aligning her with the more progressive and just vision that Maxon secretly harbors, and foreshadowing her eventual decision to fight for systemic change rather than simply accept a crown.