In literature, science fiction depicts a forthcoming society in which there are extreme scientific and technological advances. The novel, The Hunger Games, written by Suzanne Collins, is categorized as both science fiction and dystopian. The basis of novels within these genres tends to derive from present day observations in a futuristic perspective. One of the themes presented in The Hunger Games is “suffering as entertainment,” which emanates from the present day United States. In this case, “suffering as entertainment” isn’t necessarily defined as finding enjoyment in watching people physically suffer in pain, it more so demonstrates the value that competition holds in society.
In American society, children are taught at a young age that in order to be successful, they must exceed everyone around them. This idea is very relevant within the educational system, which subsequently determines a person’s prosperity or lack thereof. In some sense, competition can be positive in motivating people to want to do well in school, so that they can attend a good college and then are able get a job; however, the pressure of constantly competing throughout one’s life is stressful. In a
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Instead, consider that it provides alleviation from the pressure that comes from the high standards society has set for people. In The Hunger Games, the people within the Capitol viewed the Games as a form of entertainment, similar to how people in the United States would view a sports game. Furthermore, the Gamemakers were able to control, for the most part, what happened inside the arena. With that opportunity, they fluctuated the Games only to spice things up when nothing exciting was happening which demonstrates the standing of importance that entertainment has over