Literary Analysis #1

 The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

1. Summary-

• Protagonist = Katniss Everdeen 
• she's a teenager, a tough hunter, emotionally strong. 
• Her father is dead and she lives with her mother and sister Prim in District 12 in the country of Panem.
• Every year the Capitol of Panem hosts an event called the Hunger Games where two "tributes" – a boy and a girl – are drafted from each of the twelve districts to be brought to an arena and fight to the death. 
• Only one person can win. 
• This is to remind the country not to rebel, as well as entertainment. 
• This year, Katniss's little sister is selected for the Hunger Games, so Katniss volunteers to take her place.
• Peeta Mellark, the baker's son, who maybe has a huge crush on Katnis is also selected
• After the reaping (that's the tribute selection process), Katniss and Peeta are whisked away to the Capitol to prepare for the Games (and primped for live TV).
• The support team  is comprised of Haymitch (a former Hunger Games winner and also a drunk), Effie (their wrangler), and Cinna and Portia (their stylists). 
• During the opening ceremonies, Cinna and Portia dress Katniss and Peeta in flames and they draw much attention to themselves.
• During training, Katniss reveals her archery skills to the Gamemakers and scores an amazing 11 out of 12, while Peeta gets a lower score and asks to be trained seperatly.

• The game begins as all 24 participants fight for their lives.
• Katniss teams up with Rue.
• Rue gets killed
• Katniss now looks for Peeta after the announcer announces that there can be 2 winners in this years hunger games.
• Katniss nurses Peeta back to health.
• Katniss, Peeta, and Cato are the only ones left when the get chased by genetically enhanced wild dogs.
• Katniss shoots Cato and he is eaten by the pack of dogs.
• Announcer says there can only be 1 winner
• They fake like they are going to commit a double suicide with poisonous berries and the announcer changes his mind and announces them both winners.
• Katniss isn't really in love with Peeta eventhough he tells her he wasnt acting.

2. Theme-
 The Hunger Games is a novel about the "haves" and the "have nots" that is, the people who have money and the people who don't. While the Capitol is wealthier than all of the districts, some districts are more privileged than others, so they can train their tributes to do well in the Hunger Games a competition they see as a way to gain glory and fame. The poor districts have no advantage at all. District 12, Katniss's district, is an impoverished coal mining region that never stands a chance in the Games. They view the Games as a punishment that must be endured,something that robs them of their children. The novel asks you, then, to think about how money can change things for you and change how you see the world.

3. Tone-
 In my opinion, there are multiple tones for The Hunger Games. Katniss exhibits strength and courage but the games are dark and saddening. Some could argue that Katniss falls in love with Peeta and that love and hope could both be a tones but I disagree. I think the tone is much more serious, since the capitol is cruel and since there is little hope she will survive Katniss' desperate attempt to win the games is present.

4. Five Literary Elements/Techniques:

1. Imagery: After the death of Rue Katniss gives her a proper burial in which the author paints a sad picture. "The cold hit me from all sides as i placed the last flower delicately into the bundle that was Rue."

2. Irony: How the capital's constant idea that they can do whatever they want is thwarted in the end by Katniss and Peeta when the capital announces both of them winners.

3. Epiphany: When Rue died and Katniss suddenly understood what Peeta meant about being “more than just a piece in their Games.” This is when she truly decides to fight against the Capitol.

4. Symbolism: Katniss wearing the mockingjay pin that represents all districts is symbolizing that she is the chosen one.

5. Diction: Collins uses powerful diction throughout The Hunger Games to convey Katniss' shifting attitudes toward the Capitol and the games.