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Controversial Topics Within the Hunger Games

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Controversial Topics Within the Hunger Games
Making several appearances on the American Library Association’s ‘most contested books’ listings for its controversial and confronting content, The Hunger Games trilogy has become one of the most discussed Young Adult fictions since its debut in 2008. Through Suzanne Collins’ use of provocative themes of class and extreme poverty, confronting depictions of violence amongst children and the challenging of stereotypical gender roles, the novel discusses the hardships faced by children living within her harsh, yet thrilling, constructed universe. The raw and violent nature of the narrative attracts concerns from adults spanning the globe, raising questions regarding the suitability of The Hunger Games as Young Adult fiction. Through a detailed examination of the abovementioned central themes, this essay will communicate the necessity of controversial topics within young adult literature, providing understanding and insight into existing issues within our reality, through a fictitious and imaginative medium.

Collins’ exceedingly popular science fiction The Hunger Games follows the gripping journey of sixteen-year-old protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, living in the post-apocalyptic nation of Panem. In order to protect her sister Primrose, Katniss volunteers her participation in an annual televised ‘battle to the death’ tournament, known as the Hunger Games. Selected via lottery, one boy and one girl, aged between twelve and eighteen, from each of the twelve districts of Panem, compete, with one survivor celebrated as the victor. These games act as a harsh reminder to the districts of their debts to The Capitol, for their reassertion of peace and protection over Panem.
The narrative opens in the location of District twelve, home of protagonist Katniss. Situated on the outskirts of Panem, the home of starvation, of poverty and suffering.
“Starvation’s not an uncommon fate in District 12. Who hasn't seen the victims? Older people who can’t work. Children from a family
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