Literary Analysis Of The Hunger Games By Susanne Collins
Susanne Collins wrote the book The Hunger Games In 2008. She aimed it at young teenagers, specifically 11 to 13. The author used many writing techniques to show the theme of survival. Collins uses Allusion toward Joan of Arc, Katniss is like her because she is a hero, she is female, and is called ‘Girl on fire’. Collins also used Irony, by using survival skills help you win, killing practice is mostly useless, all of the trained killers go insane when their food blows up. She is portrayed as a media star and hero, but really is scared and just trying to survive. She is a pawn in the hunger games. Collins also used symbolism with the images of the bow, the mocking jay and Fire.
Allusion was used by Collins such as Joan of Arc. Joan of Arc is a very famous historical person because she led a French army at the age of 18 to victory after being called crazy and being rejected. She became famous and a hero. She was captured and burned on a stake because people thought she was a witch. Katniss is similar because she also becomes famous as a media star; she becomes a hero for people that are watching. Katniss becomes a hero too, although not intentional she rebelled against the capital by refusing to only let one of them win. She instead of killing Peter offers to both die, this is seen as a victory for Katniss as not only one survives but two.
Irony was also used in the book, some include how survival skills are just as important as killing if not more so. For example in page 268 “but the apples must have set off enough mines. . . ” when the supplies blow up, the ‘careers’ freak out and start to panic and blame each other. Irony is also used when Katniss is celebrated as a media star when doing interviews and participating in parades. She is really the opposite, a prisoner, as she has no choice and is just used as propaganda. She is most likely sent to her death in the games.
Collins uses symbolism with Katniss’s Bow and fire. The bow symbolizes survival; with it, she can defend herself and get food thus keeping her alive. Fire is also used to symbolize Joan of arc, rebellion, renewal (from victim to hero) destruction (she is constantly faced with her own death and those around her), danger and hatred. It also represents Katniss herself; she was seen wearing fire in the parade. The fireballs and forest fire nearly burns her alive like Joan of arc on page 208 “the world has transformed into one with of flame and smoke”.
In conclusion, Susanne Collins used many writing techniques to show the theme of survival. She used Allusion, irony and symbolism to help write the book. This adds layers of meaning and interest to her writing.
- https://www. morningsidecenter. org/teachable-moment/lessons/should-i-let-my-ten-year-old-read-hunger-games
- https://www. biography. com/military-figure/joan-of-arc
