The Hunger Games has become a worldwide phenomena with the recent release of the movie in March of this year. After reading the book, it is easy to see why so many young adults (and adults) really enjoy the book series and why the novel has won so many awards. Suzanne Collins creates a strong character in her narrator, Katniss through the use of indirect characterization. Collins creates other strong characters as well, each with his or her own personality. So readers can connect with at least one character.
Collins creates a futuristic society called Panem, which is the United States after some type civil war has occurred. The states no longer exist and divided into 13 districts with each being responsible for some type of industry to benefit Panem's capital. Many of the elements in the novel classify it as science fiction. Obviously, the futuristic setting helps solidify the novel's genre, but the novel also includes a heavy role of technology and fantastic events.
The Hunger Games makes the audience take a deep look at themselves as well as the world around them. It is definitely meant for older readers due to the content and the conflicts (both internal and external) that Katniss must endure.
The most unusual thing about The Hunger Games is that the novel is written in the present tense. Since the novel is about the struggle for survival of the protagonist, the use of present tense verbs creates a mood of suspense for the reader. The audience doesn't know what will happen next, because it is not a story that is being told from an older narrator looking back on past events but a story told as the events are occurring for the speaker.
My favorite part about the book is Katniss's background. Many students are able to relate to Katniss because she is from Appalachia with a poverty-stricken family and must be main provider for her family. She is a character that both male and female students are able to identify with. It is very difficult to find good modern literature with a strong female lead that is not a romance novel.
Questions for the reader: Could I endure the same events that Katniss must endure throughout the novel? What would I do if I lived in a society like Panem? Would I being willing to sacrifice my life for someone like Katniss does for Prim?
Related Readings:
House of the Scorpion
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