Event Title

Opposing Decadence through Self-Representation in Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games Series

Location

Davis 217

Start Date

30-4-2015 1:00 PM

End Date

30-4-2015 2:25 PM

Project Type

Presentation

Description

The protagonist of Suzanne Collins Hunger Games series, Katniss Everdeen, is a self-sacrificing character attempting to survive in a decadent world. Decadence in the world of Panem is visible in its unreliable and corrupt leaders, extreme social stratification, and wasteful and excessive customs within the upper classes, all of which play out within the Games themselves. This society objectifies Katniss by broadcasting her image and actions in an attempt to make her an agent of its decadence. Though she often acts with the sole intention of protecting herself and her loved ones, Katnisss choices also reflect her critiques of decadence even when she does not intend to send a message or take a stand. Both the Capitol and District 13, the region where rebels have been hiding since the last civil war, attempt to reframe her choices so that they reflect each groups desires and goals, but their failure to fully translate Katnisss actions into their own propaganda reveals her inherent opposition to decadence.

Faculty Sponsor

Lauren Lessing

CLAS Field of Study

Humanities

Event Website

http://www.colby.edu/clas

ID

1093

Comments

Arts and Humanities Session

Share

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Apr 30th, 1:00 PM Apr 30th, 2:25 PM

Opposing Decadence through Self-Representation in Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games Series

Davis 217

The protagonist of Suzanne Collins Hunger Games series, Katniss Everdeen, is a self-sacrificing character attempting to survive in a decadent world. Decadence in the world of Panem is visible in its unreliable and corrupt leaders, extreme social stratification, and wasteful and excessive customs within the upper classes, all of which play out within the Games themselves. This society objectifies Katniss by broadcasting her image and actions in an attempt to make her an agent of its decadence. Though she often acts with the sole intention of protecting herself and her loved ones, Katnisss choices also reflect her critiques of decadence even when she does not intend to send a message or take a stand. Both the Capitol and District 13, the region where rebels have been hiding since the last civil war, attempt to reframe her choices so that they reflect each groups desires and goals, but their failure to fully translate Katnisss actions into their own propaganda reveals her inherent opposition to decadence.

https://digitalcommons.colby.edu/clas/2015/program/410