THEMES IN THE HUNGER GAMES
The Hunger Games has many different underlying themes....
Desensitization/Reality TV
The fact that the book depicts the future as a time when Capitol residents use the Games as "viewing entertainment" is shocking.....isn't it? However, I look at some of our reality TV shows of today and I wonder if we might not regress to that point in a hundred years (or less!) Let's hope NOT!!
Hunger/Deprivation
Most of the Districts are not wealthy and many of their residents are starving. Katniss finds ways to keep her family alive and then ways to keep from starving in the arena. This theme is an important underlying theme that runs throughout the book.
Survival
Katniss is driven by a strong sense of survival, both before the Games and during. This is key to her success....
Humanity/Inhumanity
The tributes are forced to do things that are "inhumane". Some struggle with this more than others. Also, do the people that live in the Capitol seem to have a different sense of humanity?
Trust
Trust comes hard to Katniss, and with good reason. Trusting someone could save her life, but also could be the death of her!
ABUSE OF POWER/POLITICAL CONTROL
Not only the Tributes, but all people in the Districts are used as "pieces" in the game the Capitol and leaders play with their lives.....
Hope
Although it is sometimes hard to find, there is an occasion theme of hope.
Bravery
Many of the characters show true bravery.
Rebellion
Katniss rebels against the Capitol and finds a way to change the rules.....