Roman Gladiators: The Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins

Jeana Brischler

The Hunger Gladiators Suzanne Collins has mentioned frequently that the Hunger Games were influence by Roman Gladiators. In The Hunger Games, each year there are games that are held by the Capital to remind the twelve districts of Panem of the war that happened seventy-four years ago. Two tributes from each district are chosen to fight to the death in the arena to crown one winner which symbolizes the generosity of the Capital. Gladiator games, (Roman gladiators) symbolize the re-enactment of the Campanians’ military success over the Samnites. In the first games, slaves were sent into the arena to fight to the death. The Tributes from the Hunger Games reflect characteristics of Roman gladiators. Suzanne Collins said, “These people are oppressed, their children are being taken off and put in gladiator games”. The people in the Districts of Panem are brutalized, starving, and are on the verge of rebellion. Writing war appropriate stories for kids There are many ways in which the author points towards the gladiator theme. Ways in which the story is an allegory to Rome and Roman gladiators are names, chariots, the Capital, social

The Capital is a reflection of the wealthy who lived in Rome. Since Rome was successful through slave labor, the rich had nothing to do and so they would get bored. To keep everyone happy, gladiator games and other forms of entertainment were held. In the Capital, parties, food, and public appearances are held at a high standard; as is the same in Rome.The name Panem itself roots from the Latin expression “Panem et Circenses” which means “Bread and Circuses”. This saying was a political strategy used to keep the citizens of Rome happy. http://papernapkinson theedgeofinsanity.blogspot.com/2012/03/hunger-games-historical-roman.html, http://www.capitolium.org/eng/imperatori/circenses.htm,