Since the movie adaptation of the book “Divergent” was released a couple of weeks ago it has gotten a lot of comparisons to “The Hunger Games”. Some critics even slammed the movie, saying that it was too similar to it’s sister franchise. However, there actually isn’t much similarity between the two books & films at all.

The only two similarities are that they are both dystopian novels with female protagonists. That is where the similarities begin and end. In “The Hunger Games”, other than the games themselves, the main focus is on the love triangle between Katniss, Peeta, and Gale. It’s all about whom she will choose in the end. “Divergent” does not have a love triangle. Tris’ love interest is Four, her instructor during her initiation to the Dauntless faction.

In “The Hunger Games”, the city of Panem is divided into 12 districts and the higher number district, the worse off those citizens are. While in “Divergent”, the backdrop is Chicago and factions divide the people based on an aptitude test that every citizen takes when they are 16. After the test, there is a choosing ceremony and you can choose to stay in the faction that you’re already in or go to another one. The five factions are Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless, and Erudite. These factions are based on personality traits and values.

Personally, I feel that the comparisons are too soon and ridiculous. I mean how many vampire movies have we had to endure since “Twilight” came out almost six years ago? Yes, I’ve heard some complaining about that, but not as much as now. I think that audiences should be able to enjoy both series without comparing them so harshly. Let’s just be happy that two strong and positive female characters are leading these successful movies.