Madge Character Analysis

Madge In Suzanne Collins’ novel, The Hunger Games, The character Madge is a friend of Katniss's in District Twelve who is essential in the development of major themes. The theme her character most evolves is the dystopian society. There are three elements of a dystopian society: upper class advantage, isolation of characters, and back story of war, that are the most prevalent in her character. She does this through her personality and through consequences of her actions. The upper class advantage aspect of a dystopian society is demonstrated by Madge and her family. Since her father is the mayor, they have an obvious upper class advantage. Madge is one of the few characters in the novel that has enough money and food without having to constantly
Most citizens in the Seam, as well as most of Panem, are prejudiced against those who have money. "Being the mayor's daughter you'd expect her to be a snob, but she's all right."(12). Because of their bigotry, Madge is one of the most isolated characters in the entire novel. Both Katniss and Madge are quiet, solitary characters who avoid interaction with others as much as possible which makes them perfect for each other. "She keeps to herself. Like me."(12). Since Madge was one of Katniss's only friends, "Madge gave Katniss her gold mockingjay pin as a token for District 12..." which is often present when she is feeling the most isolated (Wiki). Although Katniss has people around her at most times, she is very isolated. Madge's pin reminds her of home or people she has lost because of the bird on it; the mockingjays are present in her memories of her father, in her short relationship with Rue, and when she thinks of being home. As a result, whenever she looks at it feels lonely and isolated from everyone she loves. Madge and Katniss's friendship based on mutual isolation results in a gift that advances the back story of war and
Instead of feeding the Capitol the enemies’ plans, the birds fed them false information because the rebels figured out their true directive. "They're funny birds and something of a slap in the face to the Capitol."(42). They were used in the old rebellion and also foreshadow the rebellion to come. Throughout the book Katniss rebels in seemingly small ways that all lead up to the climax which happens to be another rebellion. This rebellion really hurt the Capitol because the Games are meant to instill fear, not hope, as shown when Katniss says, "But the Hunger Games are their weapon and you're not supposed to be able to defeat it."(358). The pin is the most crucial symbol in the whole book. It is used repetitively from start to finish. In the beginning, Madge gives it to her, throughout the Games she is wearing it, and at the end, "I go back to my room to collect a few things and find there's nothing to take but the mockingjay pin Madge gave me. Someone returned it to my room after the Games."(370). Madge is an important character in developing the back story of