Hunger Games Analytical Essay

The Hunger Games is a book that highlights the predicaments of western democracies, though exaggerated. The Hunger Games, written by Suzanne Collins is set in the post-apocalyptic country of Panem, North America. Each year the Capitol organizes an event known as the Hunger Games: a horrendously gory battle between 24 randomly-selected teenagers from the oppressed Districts of Panem. The government broadcasts this onslaught live on television as entertainment for the Capitol citizens and as a timely reminder of the totalitarian government’s control over all twelve Districts. The Hunger Games positions all readers to caution western democracies, like Australia, to not lose sight of the value of democracy and not become complacent in allowing dictatorship to become a reality. This essay will discuss the division and control between the Capitol and Districts, the social inequality and the role of the competitors. The problems highlighted in the book are very closely linked to inequalities found throughout the world today, for example the contrasting western democracy of USA with communist North Korea.

Division and control is a strategy the Capitol uses to stop a rebellion between the Capitol and Districts. The totalitarian government, run by President Snow maintains their control of Panem by isolating people. Separating Panem into twelve Districts ensures complete dependence on the central government for survival. Each district is assigned a service or product that only they can provide the country with.

This division and control is maintained further by the Hunger Games, an event that pits residents of each district against one another. In doing this, each district concentrates on their own tactics to kill their rivals, while also reinforcing the Capitol’s complete control. This can be shown when protagonist Katniss says “taking the kids from our districts, forcing them to kill one another while we watch—this is the Capitol’s way of reminding us how totally we