Society, class, and poverty
The three first books in the pentalogy "The Selection" are all based in the dystopian caste-based country of Illéa and follows the story of America Singer. Therefore, the themes that are approached and confronted are relatively similar, though some themes are more striking and upfront than others in the different books.
In The Elite the caste system is brought up several times. America is a girl that was a "five," in a caste system in which the "ones" are the richest royals, while the "eights" are the poorest of the poor, the beggars, the unemployed and the handicapped. Being a five meant that America was poor and lived a hard life, which is in stark contrast to the life she lives in at the palace. She frequently thinks about and talks to the prince, Maxon, about her earlier life, and he realizes how unjust the country actually is. At the same time, we, the readers, see the comparison between Americas before and after life, which makes the reader observant to the difficulties and the unfairness of the society.
America also decided to address the problems of the society on the day the girls had to present a debate on live television of a topic they deemed important. America chose to suggest an elimination of the caste system, mush to the dismay of the king, as he decides to cut off her presentation. All of this focus on the unjust fullness and unfairness of the society puts a focus on the importance of being aware of the society and its construction.
Fighting for what you believe in
As described in the first theme, America fought for the abolishment of the caste system. None of the "ones" seemed to care, or even know about the hardships the lower castes were living in. When America talked to Maxon about her life, she was educating one of the people in the prime eligible positions to make a change. This alone could have make Maxon detest her, for being a part of a lower cast, and being unworthy of him. Yet, America decided to defy her fears and tell him.
America also took a big step further when she suggested an elimination of the caste system on live television. She was well aware of the punishments the ruthless king had used earlier, even on people as close to her as her best friend Marlee, when her secret love interest had been revealed. Marlee had been punished with being caned 15 times and lowered their castes to eights. Nevertheless, America decides to speak up, to make a difference, never giving up, because she knows it is for the greater good.
Young love and discovering yourself
Throughout the book, love has been a constant part of the story. America believes she loves two guys, both Maxon and Aspen at different parts of the story.Aspen wonders who's she is, as does America: is she Maxon's or Aspen's girl? She also tends to be a bit hypocritical, as she is jealous of Maxon spending time with other girls, even though he theoretically is forced to, while she often runs of to spend time with Aspen, whom she theoretically is forbidden to have a romantic relationship with. Either way, America decides that she has to be her own person, and own up to who she is, and decide who she wants to love.
