In the beginning of the book it's easy to see that Katniss is a master of resisting a more Orwellian type of oppression. Meaning that she can physically resist oppressive forces. Katniss has the power to hunt, gather, trap, and most importantly think. If Katniss were dropped into the world of 1984 she would do very well. She has a character that can be used to build communities through trade and foster a family through her love.
However, she is not at all a master of Huxleyian type of oppression. Oppression by over stimulation. Throughout the novel she is constantly impressed by the glamor of the capital that is oppressing her district. When she gets back into contact with her element she regains her fighting vigor and does her best to overturn the capital by willing the death of Peeta and herself in a Shakespearian homage (one of the best Romeo and Juliet allusions I have seen yet).
Katniss's downfall occurs after that games where she folds to pressures from the Capital instead of defiantly holding on to her own beliefs.
I think it is safe to say that Collins believes that the more dangerous oppression is Huxley's brand as opposed to Orwell's.
- Jason McCoy
This comic is brilliant. I would use it in a heartbeat if I was teaching this novel to high school students. Thanks so much for posting it.
ReplyDeleteI like your analysis of Katniss's actions throughout the book. I seems that the Hunger Games is her arena for stardom, but it is the outside world that is difficult for her to live in.
ReplyDeleteThat comic was awesome, and I couldn't agree more with your interpretation. From what I have read of dystopian literature, The Hunger Games do ring more of a Huxley brand of oppression to me. Katniss does have the ability to survive Orwellian oppression, and maybe even Huxleyian. I think the question that drives her character is does her family and do those that she loves have the ability to survive it along with her?
ReplyDeleteHey Jason,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your comic. I was thinking about it and I was just thinking of how amazing it was of Huxley to be able to predict the human race's tendency so well. I found out that Brave new World came out in 1931 and that makes Huxley's thoughts even more amazing because at time there were not even Computers and TV. I would be interested in seeing what Huxley would think of our world today.
---Amer Rasheed