The Hunger Games Video Summary

The Hunger Games Powerpoint

The Hunger Games

Connections to Hunger Games

Literary connections abound for this novel. Specifically, Shirley Jackson's short story, "The Lottery" portrays a similar tradition in which a member of the community is chosen to be sacrificed according to established rules, regardless of the inhumanity of the act. For a full text of this short story, click here: What are others?

...And what about today's popular culture connections, such as reality TV? In the novel, the Capitol's bored residents watch televised battles to glean vicarious excitement by watching the tributes' anguish and violent battles. Of course, the tributes from the Districts more closely resemble gladiators from the Roman Empire's Collosuem than our culture...Or do they? Our culture's reality TV allows us to watch others 24 hours a day, and participants often hurt and embarrass themselves for our entertainment.

Click here to watch a preview for the upcoming season of "Survivor" on CBS. The catchphrase for this television show is "outwit-outplay-outlast." Sound familiar?

For more information on why America loves reality television, read a Psychology Today article.

Is our culture so different from that of Panem's? Is reality TV at risk of making us insensitive, or eroding our empathy for others? Read, watch, think, and comment on the connections between our culture and the fictional world of Panem.

Literary Elements: Irony, Epiphany, and Character Motivation

Choose any of the following literary elements to comment on or discuss...

Irony is an outcome that is the opposite of what is expected. What are examples of irony in this novel? Consider the communication between Rue and Katniss and the Capitol's genetically mutated birds. What else is ironic about the setting or conflicts in this novel?

Epiphany is a character's sudden realization of a truth in a work of literature. This novel has many important epiphanies that change the course of the plot. What do you think is the most important epiphany in this novel, and why? In what ways does it change the course of the novel?

Examine the motivations of characters in the novel. Is Peeta a "good" character who truly has feelings for Katniss, or did he manipulate the Capitol media to save himself? In analyzing Peeta's character, think of the role of Haymitch. Does he support Peeta more than Katniss? Why? And what is the origin of Peeta's "teamwork"? Support your stance with details from the novel.

Panem

"In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts." The author references slight geographic and economic hints on the whereabouts these districts may be. Looking at the picture of North America, we would like you to post general locations of the Capitol and as many of the 12 districts(or 13 counting the smoldering remains of the last) as well as any clues in the text that assisted in your decision.

Catching Fire by Susanne Collins

Hunger Games is the first in a trilogy. The sequel is due out on 9/1/09. Make predictions about what will happen next. Consider the symbolism of fire in District 12's theme, and the fact that the title of the next book is Catching Fire.
Will Katniss accept her role as teacher for the next set of District 12 participants? How will her relationships with her mother, Prim, Peeta, and Gale change? Will Peeta reveal his "true colors"? How will the Capitol react to her victory and to the media's response to her? Post any predictions you have for discussion!