Hunger Games Gender Roles

Suzanne Collins’s novel, The Hunger Games, reveals the city of Panem and their corrupted totalitarian government system. In an effort deter future rebellion within the districts, as well as to assert their dominance and control, the Capitol produces an annual Hunger Games. Through the use of fear and physical intimidation, the Capitol randomly chooses a male and female from each district to represent their home and compete, risking their life as they are forced kill one another. The last person to survive is deemed victorious and is gifted wealth and improved living conditions, which is especially desirable amongst the poorer districts. The Capitol and the unchosen individuals are obligated to watch the Games, cheering for their district or favoured tribute.

She demonstrates courage during a time of fear, both in District 12 and during the Game. Her exceptional survival skills and intelligence is exemplified, as she provides for her family and endures the Hunger Games. She does not rely on anyone, as she is in fact, the provider, and nurturer for her family. Many of the Districts are in a severe economic crisis and struggle to survive; meanwhile, the Capitol and wealthier districts use this weakness to their advantage to exploit and torment the working class. Paralleling the gradual increase in popularity of female protagonists in media and literature, Katniss Everdeen represents a modern-day dystopian heroine who manages to break down the commonly used damsel-in-distress stereotype through her intelligence and natural physical skills to survive life and the Games. Further, Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games and her heroine Katniss Everdeen reflect society’s fear that economic inequality will result in moral