A World Destroyed: A Marxist Look into Suzanne Collin’s The Hunger Games trilogy

In Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games (2008), the post-apocalyptic dystopian nation of Panem draws on a myriad of sources for inspiration, ranging from historical, contemporary and classical. Collins effectively employs these inspirations in the story of Panem and District 13 in this particular genre to shed light on the pattern and themes of dystopian fiction. Through the variety of sources, The Hunger Games touches on the fundamental themes of a totalitarian regime. This thesis focuses on exploring from a Marxist viewpoint the different ways in which hunger and food are used as controlling mechanisms, the capitalistic and feudalistic ideals of Panem, the ritualized traditions of the games and the Reaping as a form of controlling the masses through fear and intimidation, the use of Panem’s history as a justification for killing children and the inspiration The Hunger Games draws from the historical and classical influence to portray the entirety of the games as crucial and an art form. In order to cast light on the matters, Collins ensures that The Hunger Games gives a detailed account of the events through the protagonist Katniss Everdeen. Through her unique experience as an adolescent from the poorest district, Collins creates an intriguing Young Adult dystopian fiction that covers a compelling message about strength and growth that transcends throughout the entire trilogy