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Abuse Of Power In The Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins

883 Words4 Pages

Suzanne Collins, in her dystopian novel, The Hunger Games utilises symbolism as a literary device to reflect the impact of power embedded in the “game” played in the constructed utopian society. Collins uses the dictatorial setting in The Hunger Games to illustrate her perspective on the abuse of power. The story revolves around a girl named Katniss who lives under a totalitarian government and volunteers to represent District 12 in a blood sport called "hunger games." Via the incorporation of symbolism in the concept of dehumanisation, rebellion, and censorship, Collins effectively positions the readers to understand the abstract ideas and concepts of power in the novel. Thus, readers are encouraged to ruminate how social order can be destructed …show more content…

Collins demonstrates the individual’s rebellion through the symbolism used in Mockingjay in the novel. The Mockingjay, whose meaning is originated from the woods to match mockingbirds, serves as a reminder of Capitol’s failure in upholding a utopian society. Before the game start, Katniss was given a mockingjay pin from Madge, which she acknowledges as “Something of a slap in the face to the Capitol” (P.51). The vivid verb “Slap” humiliates Capitol’s manufactured perfection from dehumanisation, revealing the unresting situation under the table where the absolute authority over the population has leads to individuals’ protest. In addition, Katniss performs a lullaby that the mockingjays imitate to fulfil Rue's last request (P.285). Collins' purpose of using the song's memorial metaphor is accomplished by showing the unbreakable bond between Katniss and Rue. It is clear that Katniss is purposefully violating the principle of the Hunger Games to portray the Capitol as the true enemy of the opposing districts. This encourages readers that despite the censorship and control embedded in the misused power, individuals are always empowered to rebel towards achieving their free will. Therefore, Mockingjay reinforces Collins’ message on how the impact of abuse of power will often lead to individual

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