Suzanne Collins dystopian novel, The Hunger Games, investigates many themes, including that survival in harsh environments requires risk taking, that inequality is a powerful tool for separation and control, and that unity is key in combating oppression. This essay will examine how Collins uses a range of language devices, including both structural features and literary techniques, to explore these ideas. One of the main themes outlined in The Hunger Games is that survival in harsh environments requires risk taking. Once the games begin, Katniss begins making decisions based on her assessment of the risk involved versus the potential gain, immediately. For example, as soon as the gong rings, she decides to head towards the Cornucopia and the other tributes, despite Haymitchs advice to turn and flee straight away. Collins uses graphic imagery to emphasise how high the risk she is taking is, as shown by the quote, A boy, I think from District 9, reaches the pack at the same time I do and for a brief time we grapple for it and then he coughs, splattering my face with blood. I stagger back, repulsed by the warm, sticky spray. Then the boy slips to the ground. Thats when I see the knife in his back, (p. 182). This vivid description of the boys swift and violent death highlights the danger Katniss has placed herself in by running towards the Cornucopia- it could quite easily have been Katniss warm, sticky spray over the boys face instead. The supplies she gains through this action, however, later prove key in her survival, allowing Katniss to collect and purify water, and to evade the Career Tributes by sleeping in tree. In this way, Collins illustrates that to give our self the best chance of survival, we have to take risks. Another theme explored in the novel is that inequality is a powerful tool for separation and control. In the nation of Panem, The Capitol has created a hierarchical system. For example, the people of Districts 1, 2 and 4 enjoy greater wealth and privilege than the outer Districts, and unlike those of District 12, do not go hungry. However, it is made clear that inequality also exists between different groups of people within District 12. Katniss explains how the tesserae system is used to divide people, stating, the tesserae is just another tool to cause misery in our District. A way to plant hatred between the starving workers of the Seam and those who can generally count on supper; and thereby ensure we will never trust one another, (p. 16). The use of first person narration conveys Katniss cynical tone, and her clear criticism and dislike of the Capitol. Katniss then predicts that Gale might say Its to the Capitols advantage to have us divided among ourselves, if it were not reaping day, further illustrating her acute understanding of the Capitols motives. If the population are sharply divided both between and within the Districts, they are unlikely to join forces to identify and rebel against their real oppressors, The Capitol. The novel, therefore, highlights how creating inequality can assist in controlling a population and maintaining power. The idea that unity is key in combating oppression is also exemplified in The Hunger Games. As discussed above, the novel makes it clear that The Capitol has intentionally created fear and distrust for one another amongst the Districts as a means of suppressing rebellion. Conversely, The Hunger Games provides several examples of how working together can lead to victory over oppression. This is most evident in the development of Katniss and Peetas relationship, and their dual victory at the end of the games. The power that they will gain through working together is foreshadowed early in the novel, when they are first introduced to the people of the Capitol. Although initially sceptical about holding hands with Peeta to demonstrate unity, Katniss states, Im glad now I have Peeta to clutch for balance; he is so steady, solid as a rock. The use of this simile accentuates Peetas strength, and his ability to support Katniss both physically and mentally. At the conclusion of the games, it is Katniss and Peetas decision to stay united- to die together rather than let the Gamemakers manipulate them into turning on each other- that ultimately sees the Capitol humiliated and its power to control undermined. Collins highlights the importance of their actions through dialogue, with Hamitch warning Katniss, Youre in trouble. Word is, the Capitols furious about you showing them up in the arena. The one thing they cant stand is being laughed at, and right now theyre the joke of Panem, (p. 433). This advice from a mentor who has proven his understanding of the Capitol and the games, draws the readers attention to just how successful Katniss and Peetas rebellious unity was in destabilizing the Capitol. It is made clear, then, that unity is crucial in successfully revolting against oppression. In conclusion, The Hunger Games explores a variety of themes, including that survival in harsh environments requires risk taking, that inequality is a powerful tool for separation and control and that unity is key in combating oppression. Collins successfully uses a wide variety of language devices to illustrate her ideas about these themes, including both structural elements and literary techniques.
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*The third paragraph is an example of using more than one quote/ technique. It is still a STEEL paragraph, but has two sets of Es so it looks like this: ST Example/ evidence 1 Explanation 1 Example/ evidence 2 Explanation 2 L