Why America Casted In The Selection

Eight castes based on social and economic status define the world in which main character America Singer lives in The Selection. The country is Illea, a United States three hundred years in the future, after a world war. The royals are caste number one, the most desirable caste. Eights are the lowest and most economically disadvantaged. America belongs to caste five, which is made up of artists and musicians, many of whom are poor. Maxon Schreave, the Crown Prince, is holding a “selection,” a competition through which he will find his princess. America does not want to enter the contest, even though her mother, Magda, and sister, May, encourage her to do so. America has been dating Aspen in secret; in spite of his relationship with America, Aspen urges her to enter to have a chance for a better life. Magda bribes America into entering. Aspen becomes angry when America brings him some food, as he feels he should be a better provider. Saddened by this, America nevertheless is chosen to be in the selection and sets off for the palace to compete with thirty-four other girls for the hand of the prince.
On the evening before the competitors are supposed to meet the prince, America accidentally bumps into him when she tries to go outside to the palace garden to calm herself down during an attack of anxiety. Guards will not let her out. When Maxon hears the noise of the incident he orders his guards to let her leave. At this point, America calls him shallow and takes an immediate dislike to him. They begin to develop a bond as the story progresses, however, and America becomes envious when Maxon shows interest in other