Tracker Jackers Symbolism

In Suzanne Collins’, The Hunger Games, the idea I am exploring is life and death. Life and Death is a huge part of Collin’s novel and helps shape the characters experiences and decisions. I am conveying this through the symbolism of Tracker Jackers. In the arena, the Tracker Jackers symbolise life’s fragility, that you could be killed at any time in the games and the looming threat of death hanging over the tributes head.

In Collin’s novel, Tracker Jackers are genetically engineered wasps created by the Capitol for use in the Hunger Games arena. These fatal wasps are highly aggressive and deadly, capable of severe reactions and even death, serving the Capitol’s control over tributes, enforcing obedience and scaring many. For example, “Most people can’t tolerate more than a few stings”. Some die at once.” (Chapter 14, Page 225). These unpredictable creatures hold a high power even though contestants knew about them before entering the arena and experiencing their sting themselves.

Katniss had to make a split-second decision to take out the other rivalling tributes before they did, it ended up working in her favour as seen in the quote “Glimmer appears to go completely mad, shrieking and trying to bat the wasps off.” (Chapter 14, Page 231). Collin’s vivid description helps the reader to create imagery to further understand the story. She also characterises Tracker Jackers, as described by Katniss, to enhance the narrative’s tension and suspense. This highlights the Capitol’s cruelty as they sit at home watching it for