Plot; Part 3: Themes

The Hunger Games has many widely-accepted themes and interpretations, such as feminism, politics, and religion. “Maybe it’s a liberal story about inequality and the class divide. Maybe it’s a libertarian epic about the evils of authoritarian government. Maybe it’s a feminist revision on the sci-fi action blockbuster. Maybe it’s a bloody satire of reality television. There’s enough “relevance” here to power every cultural studies department in the country for a decade.” (Peter Suderman, http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/mar/21/movie-review-the-hunger-games-offers-a-feast-for-s/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS)

When it comes to the theme of politics, the evidence is very apparent- the whole plot of the film and novels alike is about the politics. The control the government has on the citizens, the rebellion, the war- it’s all about politics.

As far as the theme of feminism goes, The Hunger Games represents feminism entirely; not simply because Katniss is a female and the main character, but because the plot is that of an action film told from the perspective of a female. It is historically the first top-200 box-office blockbuster action film focusing primarily on a female heroine. Katniss’ character is also seen as defying gender role as a powerful feminist because she displays both masculine and feminine characteristics. She is one of the most intricate and powerful female characters in film in quite some time- she is an active character, and a strong female- physically and mentally- who is the driving-force of the storyline. “A post at The Hand Mirror blog pointed out the heroine's athleticism, strength, courageousness and prowess at hunting. Because these attributes are typically associated with men, Katniss Everdeen was shattering stereotypes about girls being helpless and passive in a way that could only be positive for the predominantly young-teen female audience.” (Shelley Bridgeman, http://www.nzherald.co.nz/shelley-bridgeman/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503061&objectid=10795244)

When it comes to the subject of whether or not The Hunger Games has a religious theme or not, it is a controversial issue- some viewers see The Hunger Games as a Christian parable while others do not. It is easy to understand why some would say it does have a religious context: Ktniss’ self-sacrifice for her younger sister, Prim. In the way that Jesus was sacrificed himself in compensation for our sins, Katniss sacrifices herself as tribute for the Games in place of her sister. Also, Peeta is seen as a “Christ figure” in that the events involving his character are similar to those of Christ- events of passion, death, and resurection. Peeta saves Katniss’ life by taking the blow intended for her from the start of the Games, is lef tfor dead, and then spends three days in a cave before emerging with a new take on life. One of the main Christian references within the story is the gift of the Bread of Life- in the film (and in novel as well), Peeta gives Katniss a loaf of bread when she is starving to death.

The film also incorporates the theme of hope- demonstrated by Prim’s desire for Katniss to win, as well as Katniss’ will to stay alive and return home to her family.