The Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins And The Hunger For Symbols

Braedon Knudtson

Mrs. Robichaux

Period 6th

14 January 2014

Collins and the Hunger for Symbols

In today’s world, words, phrases, and commonly known sayings have been altered into an abomination of societies issues and thoughts. Some of earth’s most natural pieces have been used to represent some of today’s most popular brands and technology, such as the apple and Macintosh. Like A. E. Waite said, “The true Tarot is symbolism; it speaks no other language and offers no other signs.” A common occurrence of symbols are demonstrated by Suzanne Collins which signify references predominant in Greek and Roman mythology and deliver deeper meaning to the characters and their role in the novel The Hunger Games.

Initially, Collins utilizes symbols to show the relationship between roman and Greek mythology and the novel. As Katniss and Gale hunt before the reaping, she says, “The result was Panem, a shining capitol ringed by thirteen districts (18).” Panem is the outcome of the fallen continent of North America. Panem correlates with ancient Rome and how the government divided its land into provinces much like Panem and the thirteen districts. Panem means “Breads and Circuses”. Which was the lifestyle of Rome at the time. The bread is referring to the specific job each District was entailed. Such as district 12 and coal mining or District 5 and electrical power. Circuses indicate the gladiatorial game held each year as a way to show the provinces that the government is in control; much like the Capitol uses the games to keep the Districts from rebellion. Similarly, while Primrose is being chosen as the girl tribute to represent District 12, Katniss shouts, “I volunteer as tribute (22)!” As Katniss took control of the situation at hand, her act...

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...ued Rues life, she covered her Rue with wildflowers to show that their act of throwing children into an area to fight for their lives against each other will not change her as a person. Gales reasoning to be opposed to the Capitol helped Katniss persevere through contemporary struggle throughout the games and avenge the death of her fallen ally Rue. As a result, the role of the characters throughout the novel is an indicator of why Katniss is successful in the Hunger Games.

When looking at the facts, it is evident that novel is widely immersed in a dystopian society that bonds references to Greek and Roman mythology and the deeper meaning to the characters. Suzanne Collins utilized symbols to show how The Hunger Games is more than a novel about child war, but more as an overview as to the possibilities of a world that depends on the decisions we make as a society.