Panem Et Circenses In The Hunger Games

Panem the Terrible “Panem et circenses,” is the saying that defines the country of Panem as being a country of hungry fools. “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins is a futuristic dystopian novel with roots in Ancient Rome, it centers around a teen girl fighting to survive, day by day. The usage of the Latin word Panem in the novel signifies how the political powers see the country, sheds light on the gruesome gladiatorial games of Ancient Rome, and plays into the phrase “Panem et circenses.” The Capitol sees the districts as communities of fools who hunger, while the powers that be are corrupted by power and status. Whenever Katniss spoke about the Capitol, she often notes that the Capitol (and richer districts) never go hungry, while the (poorer) districts starve. “That the Careers have been better fed growing up is actually to their disadvantage, because they don’t know how to be hungry. Not the way Rue and I do.” (Collins 208) Same statement can also apply with the Capitol, the Capitol looks down on the (poorer) districts, judging from what could only be sneers of disgust, “At least, you two have decent manners,” says Effie as we’re finishing the main course. “The pair last year ate everything with their hands like a couple of savages. It completely upset my digestion.” (Collins 44) Proof that the politicians are

Panem (the country), gives “bread” or oil and tesserae, while the circus aspect comes in with the Games (reference paragraph above). The tesserae is a grain, which can be eaten or baked. “Each tessera is worth a meager year’s supply of grain and oil for one person.” (Collins 13) Although the circus aspect could also refer to the country as a whole, being that the politicians are like the ringmaster(s) and the districts are the acts, while Capitol citizens are the (captive) audience. There are many ways to perceive the saying “Panem et