The Elite

America’s two bracelets symbolize her links to two different men, both of whom she feels have a claim on her affections. She made the bracelet representing her care for Aspen out of the button he gave her from his uniform. This gift makes a deep impression on her, coming as it does after she is extremely distressed about the punishment doled out to Marlee and Officer Woodwork.

Though the button is, in America’s eyes, “the tiniest trinket to connect us to each other” (134), she believes, “Aspen’s generosity was harder to see because it wasn’t as grand as Maxon’s, but the heart behind what he gave was so much bigger” (135).

The button also represents Aspen’s regret over breaking up with America in the previous book when he was concerned that he couldn’t provide for her. In giving her the button, he signals that he still loves her and wants to take care of her. She makes the bracelet herself from string, representing the humble past she and Aspen have in common as members of the lower castes. The bracelet serves as a reminder of her connection to Aspen, to her past, and to the things she knows that are right.