2005, Form B. One of the strongest human drives seems to be a desire for power. Write an essay in which you discuss how a character in a novel or a drama struggles to free himself or herself from the power of others or seeks to gain power over others. Be sure to demonstrate in your essay how the author uses this power struggle to enhance the meaning of the work.
When the Hunger Games trilogy by Susanne Collins hit the best-seller list, the main attraction was the love battle between the teen heart-throbs Gale and Pita. Once the reader unwraps the text, he or she discovers that the books represent much more then just a petty love story. They are peeling back and exposing issues in government and society. The whole book is based on a future society where “The Capital” holds the power to control every aspect of the “districts” and Katniss Everdeen is attempting to destroy the powerful, evil, controlling machine.
When her beloved little sister is chosen to take part in the annual Hunger Games-- a Capital controlled activity in which 24 children are thrown into a harsh environment and forced to kill each other until there is just one survivor-- rebellious Katniss Everdeen shockingly volunteers to take her innocent sister’s place. As the story rolls on and Katniss moves closer and closer towards the heart of the corrupt government, she wants nothing more then to strip away it’s power. Katniss becomes a symbol of rebellion and freedom: a light that shines over all of the Capital controlled districts.
The whole book revolves around the idea of corrupt power. The Capital has sole control over all of its districts. It controls what they do, eat, wear, and survive. Susanne Collins uses this idea to propel the story and piece together the story. The reader inevitably hates the Capital and everything they stand for. We give all of our love to Katniss. She holds the future of the Districts as they place their power into her hands. Power is a motif that represents not only aspects of the plot but individual characters as well.
By using Katniss Everdeen, Susanne Collins seamlessly intertwines a magnetic love story with a power struggle. The book revolves around a heart wrenching confrontation: The Capital vs. Katniss Everdeen and the rest of the districts. In the end, it is all about power: who has the power to win, to love, to fight, and to conquer.
You didn't change much from the original, but then again, there wasn't much to change.
ReplyDeleteI recommend focusing more on the second part of the prompt where it says "Be sure to demonstrate in your essay how the author uses this power struggle to enhance the meaning of the work." Other than that, nicely done!
Noah Symanzik
The Hunger Games is my favorite book and I think it was a very good choice for the prompt you were given. Power is the driving force for everyone in the story, and without it, it would mot be as fun and interesting to read. I think it is a good idea that you brought up also how the power in the book relates to Katniss' and Peta's love. Considering this is what a lot of people read it for, it was smart of Suzanne Collins to still include the main theme of her book into the love story.
ReplyDeleteNice post Sam! I've never read The Hunger Games, but after reading this I might have to. I thought this was a great selection for the prompt you chose. However one thing I would focus on is relating Katniss's struggle against "The Capital" to the overall meaning of the work.
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