Rebellion in Hunger Games: Catching Fire Literary Essay Example

Rebellion can be perceived as the root to invoke change for the better. In some civilizations, rebellion is inevitable. In Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games Catching Fire, the 12 Districts of Panem have been treated improperly ever since the last attempt of rebellion. At the center of the unfair and unjust treatment, lies the capitol, ruled by the diabolical President Snow. Every year, the Districts are reminded of their failure and lack of power, by the presentation of the annual Hunger Games. The Districts of Panem call for change in their society but are easily overpowered by the forces of the capitol. With leadership, perspective, and cohesion within the Districts, a rebellion against the Capitol was discreetly formed. Suzanne Collins uses juxtaposition, irony, and symbolism to show that good people should not fear rebellion.

One way the author portrays that good people should not fear rebellion is through juxtaposing lifestyles in Panem. An example of juxtaposition being used is on page 145, “As the Peacekeepers fell, weapons were appropriated for the rebels. There was hope that this had not been an act of madness, that in some way if they could get the word out to the other Districts, an actual overthrow of the government in the capitol might be possible. But then the ax fell. Peacekeepers began to arrive by thousands. Hovercraft bombed the rebel strongholds into ashes” (Collins). In compensation for these attacks, District 8 was left with almost nothing. No food, no coal, no television, and no one was allowed to leave their homes. The quality of life in District 8 shriveled up to be no more than everyone for themselves. The capitol fears these small uprisings in the Districts, as they are the spark for a rebellion. Meanwhile, while the Districts are fighting to stay alive, the citizens of the capitol are thriving, representing both a true power struggle and two opposing ways of life. On the opposite side of the spectrum, the capitol is thriving, throwing parties and eating far more than anyone in the Districts could imagine. On page 80 the author states, “And here in the capitol they’re vomiting for the pleasure of filling their bellies again and again. Not from some illness of body or mind, not from spoiled food. It’s what everyone does at a party. Expected. Part of the fun” (Collins). From Katniss's point of view, the only thing the capitol does aside from creating the next year's Hunger Games is party and flaunt their reign over Panem. The conditions in which both classes of wealth live have always been to the Districts unliking. By juxtaposing these two ideas, the reader gets more insight into the factors that caused the rebellion.

Another way the author portrays that good people should not fear rebellion is through the use of irony. An example of irony being used is when the author states, “Strategically placed almost midway between the annual games, it is the capitol’s way of keeping the horror fresh and immediate. Not only are we in the Districts forced to remember the iron grip of the capitol’s power each year, we are forced to celebrate it” (Collins 4).  The capitol is in complete control and the Districts are fully aware. Ironically, they continue to celebrate the power of the capitol and comply in every way. Another example of irony being used is on page 172, “Without hesitation, he reads, ‘On the seventy-fifth anniversary, as a reminder to the rebels that even the strongest among them cannot overcome the power of the Capitol, the male and female tributes will be reaped from their existing pool of victors“ (Collins). The quarter quell is a special year for the Hunger Games, every 25 years marks a new quarter quell. With a quarter quell, comes a new, predetermined twist in the Hunger Games. To the District's surprise, the twist of the third quarter quell is that only previous victors will be reaped as contestants for the Hunger Games. The capitol displays their power by creating these twists to the Games, reminding the Districts of their victory.  Irony is used in the book to show the Districts have no choice but to comply with the unjust form of power portrayed by the capitol.

One final way the author demonstrates that good people should not fear rebellion is through the use of symbolism. An example of symbolism is on page 386, “‘We had to save you because you’re the Mockingjay, Katniss,’ says Plutarch. ‘While you live, the revolution lives.’ The bird, the pin, the song, the berries, the watch, the cracker, the dress that burst into flames. I am the Mockingjay” (Collins). Symbols representing the revolution had discreetly surfaced throughout the whole book. Each of these symbols relates to Katniss Everdeen and the discovery of the Mockingjay. Symbolism is used to bring forth the revolution against the capitol and allows the reader to visualize the correlation between these symbols and the Mockingjay. The benefits of the revolution become noticeable, and more people begin to join the cause. Another example of symbolism is when the author writes, “Katniss Everdeen, the girl who was on fire, you have provided a spark that, left unattended, may grow to an inferno that destroys Panem, he says” (Collins 23). Fire is symbolized as the rebellion in Panem. Giving revolution a physical form, readers can make the connection between the growth of a fire, and the growth of the revolution. Symbolism is constantly being used to give a connection between objects and people to the rebellion.

Suzanne Collins utilizes juxtaposition, irony, and symbolism in Hunger Games: Catching Fire to portray good people should embrace rebellion for the better. Juxtaposition is used to compare the District's unjust lifestyles to the glamorous lifestyles of the capitol. Irony is used to remind the Districts of their lack of control in the form of sarcastic and false hope given by the Capitol. Symbolism is used to give more meaning towards the revolution in Panem through people and objects. Change can be unavoidable, and societies should not fear improvement in the form of a rebellion, especially if it fulfills the hope of making a change.

Works Cited

Collins, Suzanne. Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Scholastic Press, 2009.