Government Abuse Of Power In The Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins

Governments have always had a significant impact on their citizens' lives. From taxation to the establishment of laws, their decisions can influence individual and societal circumstances. Because of this, it is crucial for individuals to stay informed about their respective governments' actions. Ignorance in this aspect can be blamed just as much as abuse of power. A multitude of literature under the dystopian genre gives us ideas as to how the government can act, such as, The Hunger Games, written by Suzanne Collins. It is a prime example of how dystopian literature can reflect and criticize governmental abuse of power. The novel is set in a post-apocalyptic world where the Capitol, the ruling government, oppresses the citizens of its twelve

The government uses fear and violence to maintain power, portraying the districts as inferior to the Capitol and the people living in it. However, The Hunger Games also shows how individuals can resist such oppression. The protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, and her fellow tribute Peeta Mellark, refuse to conform to the Capitol's expectations and instead use their platform to rebel against the government's tyranny. Their actions inspire the citizens of the districts to revolt against the Capitol, leading to a revolution that topples the oppressive regime. The Hunger Games highlights the importance of being aware of one's government's actions and its impact on its citizens. It is an excellent example of how dystopian literature can offer readers a glimpse into a possible future where governments wield their power with impunity. The novel's themes and messages remind us that vigilance is necessary to avoid succumbing to oppressive government control, by doing so, we can avoid succumbing to the same fate as the citizens of Panem in The Hunger

(Mishra 2006) argues that dystopian literature can help readers to be aware of government surveillance and control. She writes, "In dystopian fiction, the totalitarian state is always already there, and the characters have to come to terms with it." Mishra contends that dystopian literature can help readers recognize the potential for government abuse of power, and the importance of staying vigilant in protecting individual freedoms. Furthermore, published in The Georgetown Law Journal, titled “Privacy and Surveillance in a Digital Age: The Lessons of George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four.” Author M.P. Painter argues that Orwell's novel should serve as a warning to individuals of the dangers of government surveillance and control. She writes, "Orwell's vision of the future is not one that we should ever want to see realized in our society." Painter contends that Nineteen Eighty-Four demonstrates how governments can use technology to control citizens and the importance of maintaining individual privacy and freedom (Painter