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The Hunger Games Identity Analysis

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Dystopian novels and movies always have “identity” as one of their central themes and plays a pivotal role in the characters story. In Suzanne Collins’, The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen’s identity is profoundly transformed by her experience in the Games. Firstly, she deals with her identity as a human being under the control of the Capitol. Secondly, she struggles with a conflicting identity. Finally, she shows difficulty with coming to terms with the person she will inevitably become if she wins the Games. In the nation of Panem, the simple idea of human or equal rights would be punishable by death. Therefore, it has never occurred to Katniss that she could be anything other than just a statistic to the Capitol. However, two characters force …show more content…

Katniss’s identity prior to the Games was almost solely based on hunting and gathering as a means of survival. If she was to in fact win then it would also result in a change of identity because her entire life was focused on that one goal “how would I spend the hours I now commit to combing the woods for sustenance if it were so easy to come by” (65). Katniss’s situation is comparable to if someone won a lottery half way through University, the reason most people go to school is to get a job and make money to support their desired lifestyle. Especially today where people prioritize education so much, for that to no longer be necessary would be extremely alarming and would also result in a change in identity. This is yet another example of how Katniss’s identity is changing due to the games. In the end, the person that returns from the Hunger Games is just another person wearing Katniss’s skin. The Games have profoundly affected Katniss’s identity, she knows that she is worth more than what the Capitol makes her out to be, she has experience of stardom for the first time, and finally she now no longer needs to live “paycheck to paycheck”. That being said, it is difficult to know for sure if the Games will have a lasting effect on her identity. The only way to find out is by reading the sequel Catching

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