The Hunger Games, the first book of Suzanne Collins’ series, is all about survival. Participation in the Hunger Games simply means trying your utter best to survive. Katniss experiences all the hardships that you can think of related to The Hunger Games. She is trying to make the right choices, even though that is not always possible.
First impression and writing style
When you begin reading the book, you will immediately notice the first-person point of view. I personally really enjoy books with that point of view, because it allows you to get to know a character really well, in this case Katniss.
“When I wake up, the other side of the bed is cold.” (Collins, 2008, p.4)
I also liked Collins’ writing style. As I have mentioned, I like the point of view, but I also like the amount of descriptions Collins gives. It is just right.
“Sitting at Prim’s knees, guarding her, is the world’s ugliest cat. Mashed-in nose, half of one ear missing, eyes the color of rotting squash.” (Collins, 2008, p. 4)
Collins has a simple writing style, yet complicated. Collins generally uses well-known words. Sometimes she uses advanced words. These are features of young adult writing. Appleyard (1991) writes: “Children’s books have uncomplicated sentences, short paragraphs, and little description of people and settings.” As this is not the case in Collins’ book, this book can be seen as a great young adult novel.
The theme of the week is disillusion and disappointment. These were visible at the beginning of the book, because we get to know about Katniss’ hardships. Her life at home is tough, as she needs to work hard for food. It also shows when Prim gets chosen for The Hunger Games.
“There must have been some mistake. This can’t be happening. Prim was one slip of paper in thousands! Her chances of being chosen so remote that I’d not even bothered to worry about her. Hadn’t I done everything?” (Collins, 2008, p. 22)
Final impression
My first impression did not change. I enjoyed reading the book, although it took a little too long before the actual Hunger Games began. In my opinion it would have been better if the Hunger Games had started earlier. Definitely when you read about the Reaping, and then it takes a long time before something exciting happens again. I also liked the end, despite that it was an open ending. It does really encourage to read the second book.
The theme gained more depth when continuing the book, as it could be seen multiple times. I will highlight this one. Disappointment shows again when it is decided that the rule is yet again reversed, there is one winner. This means that either Katniss or Peeta has must die. This fragment shows the disappointment:
“There’s a small burst of static and then nothing more. I stare at Peeta in disbelief as the truth sinks in. They never tended to let us both live.” (Collins, 2008, p. 337)
Role of parents
We discussed that Katniss’ parents do not play a big role in The Hunger Games. Firstly, that’s because Katniss’ father died after an explosion. Katniss’ mom does not play a big role. I believe that Collins did this to emphasize Katniss’ story. Appleyard (1991) writes: “Most heroines are parentless in order to be convincing.” We discussed and agreed that Katniss’ mom is present, only to emphasize Katniss’ hardships.
Patterns
In our group discussion I found out that there are multiple patterns. Collins uses a lot of symbolism in her book. These are the most intriguing ones. The mockingjays, for example, symbolize defiance. Katniss’ mockingjay pin gives her strength, and the ability to “communicate” with the actual mockingjays, gives her strength.
Another symbol is the finger gesture. Katniss comes up with a special gesture, which can be seen as a symbol for rebellion. Ginny Wiehardt (2019) writes this about the importance of symbolism in fictive stories: “Symbolism takes something that is usually concrete and associates or affixes it to something else in order to give it a new and more significant meaning.” That is what Collins does.
Plot
We discussed that the plot is incredible. When looking at Freytag’s pyramid there is a clear exposition (introducing the characters), rising action (the Reaping and the Hunger Games), climax (fight between Katniss, Peeta and Cato)and falling action (getting back after their win) (Researchgate, 2019). The resolution is not clear, because there is a following book (Researchgate, 2019). All in all, Collins did a great job on the plot.
Character
When discussing the character, we found out that Katniss is a complicated character. She deals with a lot even though she is a teen. She has to make definite choices (life or death) and she also has a conflict about love. Erikson (1970) writes: “Teens need to develop a sense of self and personal identity.” This is what Katniss goes through. She defines herself through the choices.
Setting
In our group discussion we found out that the setting is simple, yet complicated. The story mainly takes place in the arena, the Capitol, and district 12. When taking a look at the bigger picture, Collins used another symbol. Panem symbolizes America.
“When I was younger, I scared my mother to death, the things I would blurt out about District 12, about the people who rule our country, Panem, from the far-off city called the Capitol.” (Collins, 2008, p. 7)
Appleyard (1991) writes: “A good story makes you think.” As the setting is a symbol, Collins proves that the setting is well-thought of.
Age suitability
This book is suitable for pupils from the age of 12. Appleyard (1991) states this: “The adolescents’ books deal with sex, death, sin, and prejudice.” As mortality is a part of the story, this book is suitable for this age group. Erikson (1970) writes: “Teens from the age of 12 need to develop a sense of self and personal identity.” As the book deals with Katniss developing her identity, it can be claimed from both Appleyard and Erikson’s view that this book is suitable for adolescents.
The Hunger Games is a great book to learn from. It is simple, yet complicated. Therefore, this book would make a great start of English at secondary schools.
(Word count: 750)
Bibliography
Appleyard, J.A. (1991). Becoming a Reader. Cambridge. Cambridge University Press
Collins, S. (2008). The Hunger Games. New York City, United States: Scholastic.
Erikson, E.H. (1970). Reflections on the dissent of contemporary youth. International Journal of Psychoanalysis, 51, 11-22.
Researchgate. (2019, June 9). Freytag’s pyramid. Retrieved April 14, 2020, from https://researchgatesite.blogspot.com/2019/03/freytags-pyramid.html
Rijcken, R. (2015, February 18). Verwijderde scènes van The Hunger Games vrijgegeven nadat fans code kraken.[Photograph]. Retrieved April 14, 2020, from https://nl.metrotime.be/2015/02/18/must-read/verwijderde-scenes-van-the-hunger-games-vrijgegeven-nadat-fans-code-kraken/
Wiehardt, G. (2019, June 25). Symbolism in Fiction Writing. Retrieved April 15, 2020, from https://www.thebalancecareers.com/symbol-definition-fiction-writing-1277138
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