Characteristics Of Katniss Everdean Literature

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Today’s young adults are reading a variety of fictional novels for entertainment. One of the most popular genres is categorized as “dystopian literature.” Dystopian literature generally focuses on government control and oppression as a central theme, but there are other themes as well. Specifically, the Hunger Games and Divergent trilogies help change the opinion of female protagonists in young adult literature. These heroines show immense strength and courage while still remaining quite human.
The protagonists face different circumstances, but they share similar traits. Starting with the Hunger Games heroine: Katniss Everdean. Katniss Everdean provides for her family by hunting and trading in a black market, though these acts are considered illegal in her district. Her mother suffers from a deep depression that renders her incapable to support the family. Katniss fills a father-like role for her family. “At eleven years old…I took over as head of the family. There was no choice.” (Collins, p.27) In fact, Katniss is so focused on providing and protecting her family that by the conclusion of the first novel, she hasn’t even quite figured out what kind of person she is without that role. “For the first time, I allow myself to truly think about the possibility that I might make it home…But then…what? What would my life be like on a daily basis? Most of it has been consumed with the acquisition of …show more content…

While there are obvious differences between both of these characters, there are also many similarities in their personalities that are akin to other heroes and heroines. Katniss and Tris’ flaws are part of their strengths as protagonists and make them more human. Gender roles are being presented in these popular dystopian novels, and that is important to challenge gender

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