The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Oh, Lord, have mercy! I have failed to write as I had planned. Trust me I've been doing the reading. I have, however, failed to do the writing. I guess it's time for me to catch up on some of that.
I have read regularly SOOO MUCH lately. I have so much stuff from Western literature before 1500 as well as some early American Poetry, novels, and short stories! I'm excited to share these stories with you along with my unadulterated opinions (bless you).
Anyway, I have the privilege of taking a Middle School/High School Literature class this upcoming semester. That means I get to read a crap-ton of YA novels and share them with you. Yes, I've already read a lot of the required texts, but this time I'm taking a more analytical approach to reading. A close reading, if you will. Instead of reading for the pure pleasure of the act, I'm taking more into consideration.
This leads me to this current review. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Now, unless you've been living under a rock since 2008, you know what these books are about. Even if you haven't considered the books, you've likely heard of or seen, the film adaptations. I'm not going to inundate you with the same information that a simple Google or Wikipedia search would produce. I'll keep it sweet and simple. Collins published the first book of the dystopian trilogy in 2008. She IS NOT responsible for writing the book Little Bear, however, she did help write the on-screen adaptation for Nickolodean. Collins has written another series intended for children younger than the Hunger Games' intended audience called "The Underland Chronicles." Not going to lie, I want to read those. I think they're something my 7-year-old would enjoy. But, alas, this review isn't over Collins or her other works. It's over the first book of The Hunger Games trilogy.
So, let's get started...
You probably know the back-story of the post-American, dystopian country of Panem broken down into its twelve districts based on industry. What you may not know, if you only watched the movie, or listened to someone else describe it, is that the book is very well-written. It has a lovely pace that is urgent when necessary and still where appropriate. The main character, 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen does not begin as the most exciting character. Her love for her younger sister, Prim, makes her likable. It's endearing and somewhat relatable to an older sibling who has ever had the responsibility of caring for their younger sibling(s). This love is best depicted in the scene where Prim's name is drawn to be the tribute for District 12, the coal-mining district in which she and Katniss live. The absurdity of Prim's name being drawn as only one from thousands made Katniss lax in her concern about it even happening. In fact, the phrase most often used concerning the Games is "may the odds be ever in your favor." The irony of that phrase in juxtaposition to Prim's name being drawn, and every occurrence after, is a nice touch that Collins gives the reader. In fact, the odds are never in their favor.
Katniss becomes more likable throughout the book as the narrative is told in first-person from her perspective. The reader is inside Katniss' innermost thoughts. This perspective adds to the connection between reader and protagonist, something the other characters in the text aren't afforded. To the other characters, Katniss is hostile and unlikable. Haymitch is an excellent example. As a mentor to both Katniss and Peeta Mellark, he is charged with the responsibility of preparing them for the Games--the massacre of 24 children between the ages of 12 and 18 who must fight in an arena until only one remains. A mentor is someone from the same district who has previously won the Games. Haymitch is an old, cranky drunk who is often seen as destructive and a nuisance. It isn't until the end of the book that Katniss reflects on Haymitch and how she seems to have understood his meanings by the gifts he sent her while she was inside the Arena. She and Peeta discuss their mentor and decide that he won the games because he outsmarted his opponents.
Haymitch and Katniss butt heads constantly. It isn't until they genuinely begin to understand what drives the other that they can find a sync that propels Katniss to victory. Haymitch "coaches" Katniss differently than he does Peeta, who is an amiable character that you can't help but love. He's like a sweet puppy. In fact, it's Peeta who is truly responsible for Katniss' success with the audience. After all, this is a show. Peeta, like Gale, is in love with Katniss and she's too oblivious to notice. Because she is so calculating in every aspect of her life, she assumes that others are as well, especially when it comes to the Games. So, Katniss thinks that Peeta is playing up the "star-crossed lovers" gambit, but for him it's real. This is why he's so heart-broken when he realizes at the end of the book that Katniss thought it was all for show, all in the name of survival.
Okay, so I realize that I'm analyzing a lot and that my organization isn't the greatest, but I'm writing my thoughts on the story. To be completely honest with you, I think the most impactful scene in the entire novel is the ones in which Katniss is with Rue, the 12-year-old tribute from the rival District 11. Katniss immediately latches on to Rue. She is so small and at such a disadvantage. In fact, the two become allies within the Arena. Sadly, Rue is murdered in front of Katniss' eyes. The young girl is impaled with a spear. Katniss immediately avenges Rue and holds the small child as she dies. Rue requests that Katniss sing for her, and she does, a beautiful and comforting song that she once sang to her little sister, Prim. In the book, Katniss' stream-of-consciousness narration says, "But if this is Prim's, I mean, Rue's last request, I have to at least try" (234). Not only does Katniss give the small child her request, but she also refuses to leave the body and allow the hovercraft to retrieve it from the Arena. Instead, she adorns it with flowers in a burial service. This is a blatant act of rebellion and defiance against the Capitol. Lastly, Katniss gives a three-fingered salute as an act of respect before she walks away from Rue's tiny body.
The consequences of her actions are even more significant than she realizes. In thanks to Katniss for her treatment of Rue, District 11 chooses to send the loaf of bread intended for their tiny tribute to Katniss. While it may seem minor on the surface, the actions of Katniss and District 11 will be far-reaching. Not only was the entire episode televised and broadcast live, it reeked of defiant rebellion against the government that has instituted the slaughter of children as a means to control the population. This event adds momentum to the acts of rebellion that follow, such as the threat by Peeta and Katniss to consume the nightlock berries and commit suicide rather than kill one another.
Collins reinforces this as fact by writing, "That's when I know that even though both of us would have eaten the berries, I am to blame for having the idea. I'm the instigator. I'm the one to be punished" (364). In this scene, President Snow glares at Katniss, and she knows that she has just committed an unforgivable act of rebellion against him and the institution for which he stands.
I have read regularly SOOO MUCH lately. I have so much stuff from Western literature before 1500 as well as some early American Poetry, novels, and short stories! I'm excited to share these stories with you along with my unadulterated opinions (bless you).
Anyway, I have the privilege of taking a Middle School/High School Literature class this upcoming semester. That means I get to read a crap-ton of YA novels and share them with you. Yes, I've already read a lot of the required texts, but this time I'm taking a more analytical approach to reading. A close reading, if you will. Instead of reading for the pure pleasure of the act, I'm taking more into consideration.
This leads me to this current review. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Now, unless you've been living under a rock since 2008, you know what these books are about. Even if you haven't considered the books, you've likely heard of or seen, the film adaptations. I'm not going to inundate you with the same information that a simple Google or Wikipedia search would produce. I'll keep it sweet and simple. Collins published the first book of the dystopian trilogy in 2008. She IS NOT responsible for writing the book Little Bear, however, she did help write the on-screen adaptation for Nickolodean. Collins has written another series intended for children younger than the Hunger Games' intended audience called "The Underland Chronicles." Not going to lie, I want to read those. I think they're something my 7-year-old would enjoy. But, alas, this review isn't over Collins or her other works. It's over the first book of The Hunger Games trilogy.
So, let's get started...
You probably know the back-story of the post-American, dystopian country of Panem broken down into its twelve districts based on industry. What you may not know, if you only watched the movie, or listened to someone else describe it, is that the book is very well-written. It has a lovely pace that is urgent when necessary and still where appropriate. The main character, 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen does not begin as the most exciting character. Her love for her younger sister, Prim, makes her likable. It's endearing and somewhat relatable to an older sibling who has ever had the responsibility of caring for their younger sibling(s). This love is best depicted in the scene where Prim's name is drawn to be the tribute for District 12, the coal-mining district in which she and Katniss live. The absurdity of Prim's name being drawn as only one from thousands made Katniss lax in her concern about it even happening. In fact, the phrase most often used concerning the Games is "may the odds be ever in your favor." The irony of that phrase in juxtaposition to Prim's name being drawn, and every occurrence after, is a nice touch that Collins gives the reader. In fact, the odds are never in their favor.
*unknown artist
Katniss immediately volunteers to take her sister's place, not willing to risk Prim's imminent death should she enter the Arena. At least Katniss stands a chance with her hunter/gatherer skills she has developed since childhood. The responsibility of caring for her depressed and neglectful mother and sister has given her an edge. Growing up on the rough side of town, called the Seam, has given her a sharp mind because she has had to trade what game and plants she kills and gathers for necessities. The government has placed the majority of its citizens in abject poverty and they have learned how to survive on their own. This oppression by the government is a means of control over the populace. While the vast majority are impoverished, the government lives in luxury and over-indulgence, something Katniss witnesses as she is paraded through the Capitol.
Collins takes a dig at reality television and the obsession that much of society has with it. The Hunger Games are a televised event of children who must kill each other. How awful is that? They televise for entertainment and to continue the oppression the government holds over the people by reminding them that they have no power to protect their children. The apparent misuse of power by the government enrages many citizens. For instance, Katniss' closest friend, Gale, is often described as ranting against the Capitol. On the day of the Reaping (when the names of children are drawn to see who will compete) he suggests that he and Katniss run off together. Neither of them could abandon their families. With so many dependent on them for food, neither acts on the thought.
Another facet of the story is the love triangle that is slightly blurred. Katniss mentions, repeatedly, that she has no romantic interest in Gale. So why does she say that so often? It's like a teenager being teased about liking someone, so they overexaggerate how uninterested they are. One way of viewing their relationship is that Katniss is ultimately focused on survival for herself and her family. Romantic relationships take time and effort and energy that she does not have the will or capacity to devote them. Though she is a skilled hunter and observer of her environment, Katniss lacks the ability to read her male counterparts, excluding Haymitch.
Katniss becomes more likable throughout the book as the narrative is told in first-person from her perspective. The reader is inside Katniss' innermost thoughts. This perspective adds to the connection between reader and protagonist, something the other characters in the text aren't afforded. To the other characters, Katniss is hostile and unlikable. Haymitch is an excellent example. As a mentor to both Katniss and Peeta Mellark, he is charged with the responsibility of preparing them for the Games--the massacre of 24 children between the ages of 12 and 18 who must fight in an arena until only one remains. A mentor is someone from the same district who has previously won the Games. Haymitch is an old, cranky drunk who is often seen as destructive and a nuisance. It isn't until the end of the book that Katniss reflects on Haymitch and how she seems to have understood his meanings by the gifts he sent her while she was inside the Arena. She and Peeta discuss their mentor and decide that he won the games because he outsmarted his opponents.
*unknown creator
Haymitch and Katniss butt heads constantly. It isn't until they genuinely begin to understand what drives the other that they can find a sync that propels Katniss to victory. Haymitch "coaches" Katniss differently than he does Peeta, who is an amiable character that you can't help but love. He's like a sweet puppy. In fact, it's Peeta who is truly responsible for Katniss' success with the audience. After all, this is a show. Peeta, like Gale, is in love with Katniss and she's too oblivious to notice. Because she is so calculating in every aspect of her life, she assumes that others are as well, especially when it comes to the Games. So, Katniss thinks that Peeta is playing up the "star-crossed lovers" gambit, but for him it's real. This is why he's so heart-broken when he realizes at the end of the book that Katniss thought it was all for show, all in the name of survival.
Okay, so I realize that I'm analyzing a lot and that my organization isn't the greatest, but I'm writing my thoughts on the story. To be completely honest with you, I think the most impactful scene in the entire novel is the ones in which Katniss is with Rue, the 12-year-old tribute from the rival District 11. Katniss immediately latches on to Rue. She is so small and at such a disadvantage. In fact, the two become allies within the Arena. Sadly, Rue is murdered in front of Katniss' eyes. The young girl is impaled with a spear. Katniss immediately avenges Rue and holds the small child as she dies. Rue requests that Katniss sing for her, and she does, a beautiful and comforting song that she once sang to her little sister, Prim. In the book, Katniss' stream-of-consciousness narration says, "But if this is Prim's, I mean, Rue's last request, I have to at least try" (234). Not only does Katniss give the small child her request, but she also refuses to leave the body and allow the hovercraft to retrieve it from the Arena. Instead, she adorns it with flowers in a burial service. This is a blatant act of rebellion and defiance against the Capitol. Lastly, Katniss gives a three-fingered salute as an act of respect before she walks away from Rue's tiny body.
I wish I knew who made this so that I could give them credit
The consequences of her actions are even more significant than she realizes. In thanks to Katniss for her treatment of Rue, District 11 chooses to send the loaf of bread intended for their tiny tribute to Katniss. While it may seem minor on the surface, the actions of Katniss and District 11 will be far-reaching. Not only was the entire episode televised and broadcast live, it reeked of defiant rebellion against the government that has instituted the slaughter of children as a means to control the population. This event adds momentum to the acts of rebellion that follow, such as the threat by Peeta and Katniss to consume the nightlock berries and commit suicide rather than kill one another.
Collins reinforces this as fact by writing, "That's when I know that even though both of us would have eaten the berries, I am to blame for having the idea. I'm the instigator. I'm the one to be punished" (364). In this scene, President Snow glares at Katniss, and she knows that she has just committed an unforgivable act of rebellion against him and the institution for which he stands.
I found the above map, created by Maria Rizzoni, to help give you a visualization of what Panem looks like. I found it interesting.
All in all, the Hunger Games is a well-written story filled with action and teenage naivete. Poor Katniss, though lethal, is often clueless about the impact she has on the people of Panem. Even Peeta says, "she has no idea the effect she can have." Collins tackles issues such as oppression, civil disobedience, love, sacrifice, martyrdom, prejudice, and societal opinion--to name a few.
Some of the major themes and motifs in the book are food, flowers, birds, and the woods.
Obviously, for being called The Hunger Games, food is a big deal. The impoverished populace of the less wealthy districts suffers from starvation regularly. In fact, the book says that "starvation is never the cause of death officially. It's always the flu, or exposure, or pneumonia. But that fools no one" (28). Katniss also goes on to explain how her father has taught her how to survive off the land and the plant for which she is named is one that is edible. "As long as you can find yourself, you'll never starve," he says (52). While inside the Arena, Katniss devises a plan to get back at the "Careers"--the tributes who have trained to be in the Arena their whole lives and come from the wealthiest districts. She decides that she'll destroy all of their supplies. Her reasoning is this, "that the Careers have been better fed growing up is actually to their disadvantage, because they don't know how to be hungry. Not the way Rue and I do" (208).
The focus on food in the book is hard to miss. Katniss is utterly obsessed with it. She continually compares the food of District 12 to the food of the Capitol and mentally catalogs what trying to replicate the meals would cost her--the amount of work it would take. Even the boy she's drawn to is the Baker's son, the boy who gave her bread when she was starving, gave her hope, and his name even resembles a form of bread (Peeta/Pita--coincidence? I think not).
Flowers and plants take another prominent spot regarding motifs. Katniss is a plant name. Prim, her little sister, is named for the primrose flower. Rue is a type of flower. You see where I'm going here? The freshness and innocence associated with flowers are also given as names to the two youngest characters to which Katniss is most affectionate and protective. Likewise, the dandelion is also a motif that reappears in the novel. When young Peeta Mellark purposely burns the bread, knowing that his mother will beat him and then make him feed it to the pigs, he tosses it to the starving Katniss instead. At this moment, she realizes that all hope is not lost. Because of the kindness of another, she can hold on to the one shred of hope she has. To reinforce that hope she sees a dandelion, the first of the season. It is that flower that reminds her that she and her family will survive. The next day, 11-year-old Katniss sneaks into the woods and collects as many dandelions as she can so that she and her family will be fed from the tiny weed.
quote from Hunger Games Book
Katniss adorns Rue's dead body with flowers to reemphasize the child's innocence and purity.
Another obvious motif is birds, or, more particularly, Mockingjays. These birds are an unexpected and uncontrollable outcome of the government's prior actions. To quell the rebellion, the government manufactured animals called "jabberjays" which were birds that could mimic entire conversations. They served as excellent surveillance until the rebels caught on, perhaps a little birdie told them. The government intended to let the jabberjays die out since they only created males. However, nature took over. The male jabberjays mated with female mockingbirds and the Mockingjay was born, not as articulate as the jabberjays and more melodic than the mockingbirds, they were an unplanned for and unexpected result of the governments' actions--a result with which they were not pleased. Madge, one of Katniss' peers from District 12 is also the Mayor's daughter. Before Katniss is whisked away to the Capitol, Madge gives her a little gold pin with a Mockingjay on it and begs Katniss to wear it in the Arena, which she does, not realizing that it is a sign of rebellion even though she describes the bird represented as "a slap in the face to the Capitol" (42). The Mockingjay also reminds Katniss of her father who was "fond of" them.
Throughout the text, the Mockingjays give a warning signal just before a government hovercraft appears. While I would love to go into detail about the Avox girl and Katniss, which is the first time we read of the warning signal, I will have to pass as this review is getting longer by the minute. Anyway, Katniss also refers to herself as a "plucked bird" after having all of her hair waxed off her body upon arriving at the Capitol (51).
Katniss and Rue use the Mockingjays to deliver a little tune to let each other know when they are safe and when they are not. To connect the bird motif with Prim, Katniss refers to her as "little duck" often in the first bits of the book.
Lastly, and briefly, we'll discuss the woods. Katniss feels safe in the woods. They are her domain. They are where her father taught her to hunt and gather. They are where she is most herself, which we see first with Gale before the Reaping. Perhaps another reason Katniss and Rue hit it off so well is that they are both so at home in the trees. Something I found really interesting is how Katniss describes Peeta as being out of his element in the woods. In fact, he's so loud that he scares off all the game. This is where the reader is given the view of the two different male interests in Katniss' life. Gale is completely at home in the woods, that's where they spend the most time together. Peeta is a shopkeeper's son, and Katniss assumes that he has had a more comfortable life because he hasn't had to hunt for his food, she doesn't realize that he has also suffered.
So, we know Katniss is most at home in the woods, but what about when she goes home after winning the Games? She won't need to hunt for food because she'll be rich. She comes to realize that she doesn't know who she is without being a hunter who provides out of necessity. To learn more about how that plays out you'll have to Mockingjay, book II of the series.
Okay, so there is SO MUCH that I haven't written about. This book is rich in imagery, allusion, and irony. One thing I didn't mention that I found interesting is that the Gamekeepers have the ability to control the Arena. They can make things happen. They change the weather, drain the water supply, start fires, and most awfully, they take the dead tributes' bodies and turn them into "muttations!" How awful is that? And how long could you write about and analyze why they would use the dead tributes? It's awful and interesting. The depth of corruption and oppression leaves the reader gripping the book, wanting more, and wanting desperately for the underdogs to come out on top.
Suffice it to say that I enjoyed this book. I love YA novels. I truly do. And The Hunger Games does not disappoint.
CITATION
Collins, Suzanne. The Hunger Games. Scholastic, 2009.
Comments
Post a Comment