Hunger Games Themes

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The Hunger Games, written by Suzanne Collins, is full of controversial themes and ideas. The most prominent themes throughout the novel are feminism, corrupt government, poverty, and classism. I think it is interesting to question why Collins would write a series of novels about these ideas. Was she trying to prove a point or call out an issue in our society? Or was she just writing a story that she thought would be interesting to her readers? Did she intend for young adolescents to be reading this novel or adults? I think that the topics addressed are much more suited for adults, yet the novels were quite successful among adolescent readers. I believe that for many young girls, Katniss became a symbol of what it means to be a successful woman. Consequently, they bought into her character and became obsessed with her character.

As we look at Katniss, it is easy to see how Collins may have been using her to communicate some feminist ideas. Katniss was the provider for her family, the protector, and the glue that held everyone  together. She did not just sit at home and cook food--she went out and found it. Katniss refers to the story of her father's death and says, "...all I knew was that I had lost not only a father, but a mother as well" (Collins, 69-70). When her father died, her mother became helpless and depressed. This forced Katniss into a role that is not meant for children to have. It meant that she would have to care for her sister and win the games to return back to both her sister and mother. Something that I have thought about though is that if Collins is trying to send a positive message about feminism, then why is Katniss' mother helpless after her father dies? And why is Primrose so soft and delicate? Shouldn't they all be strong, independent women?

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. The most interesting part of it is finding the differences between it and the movies. I would recommend the book to anyone, especially if they have already seen the movie.

Comments

  1. Phillip OwusuOctober 21, 2019 at 10:23 PM

    I don't think the themes are controversial. They are definitely political topics, but they aren't controversial. Feminism is an ideology. The government isn't corrupt as much as the people in control are flawed humans. There will almost always be poverty. Finally, as far as I'm concerned classism is a result of the people. The system in both Panem and the US both function because its people allow it is an old idea. I encourage you to read up on political philosophy if this is a topic that interests you. Also, here's some food for thought: why do you think they ban books? What are they afraid of happening if a kid reads a book that they don't what them to read? Teach a book that they never wanted you to teach? There are books that are locked up in the library of congress that will never be open to the public for the ideas that they hold and the problems that they could cause. Don't believe everything you are told. Question everything, for it is often the most simplest things that are overlooked.

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