A Critical Review

By: Allan Zou, Emily Kelly, Lucy Farr, Max Schwarzer

Katniss, the girl who was on fire (67). Symbol is something that is used to represent something else. Suzanne Collins used this effectively throughout the book. In the beginning, this quote just showed that Katniss was from District 12, but near the end when she was rebelling against the capital, it had a different meaning. It stood for the fact that she was just a spark that would start a fire against the capitol. It showed that she was the leader of the rebellion and wasnt afraid to fight for justice. The girl who was on fire gave the districts light and hope that they could overcome the capitol. She has many other symbols in this story that are defined well, but this was only one that stood out to me.

Lucy

The groosling has delicious meat thats so fatty, the grease drips down your face when you bite into it(202). Collins use of sensory detail in this passage to describe the groosling leg that Katniss and Rue are going to eat during the games. The words Suzanne Collins uses to describe the meat such as fatty and describing the grease dripping down your face allows the reader to imagine what it would be like to eat a groosling. Such sensory details are found all throughout Suzanne Collins book another example would be when Katniss is being made over by the stylists in the Capitol. Venia and Octavia, a plump woman whose entire body has been dyed a pale shade of pea green, rub me down with a lotion that first stings but then cools my raw skin (62). This also shows how sensory detail is being used not only to describe what Katniss is feeling psychically but it may elude to a deeper meaning such as Katniss may feel like shes been taken out of her own skin because she is in the Capitol. The usage of sensory detail in the Hunger Games allows for a more interesting and captivating settings and characters.

Allan

The boy took one look back to the bakery as if checking that the coast was clear, then, his attention back on the pig, he threw a loaf of bread in my direction. The second quickly followed, and he sloshed back to the bakery, closing the kitchen door tightly behind him (31). Indirect Characterization is where the personality of a character is revealed through the characters actions, appearances, and speech. Suzanne Collins effectively uses indirect characterization throughout the book. This quote shows that Peeta is kind-hearted and, as we later learn, cares for Katniss. He sacrifices being hit by his mother so that Katniss and her family dont starve. Peetas actions really illustrate that he is a humble person who cares for other peoples well-being. The way that Collins describes Peetas actions helps us better understand him as a person and explains why he thinks or acts the way he does.

Lucy

Mashed-in nose, half of one ear missing, eyes the color of rotting squash. Prim named him Buttercup, insisting that his muddy yellow coat matched the bright flower. He hates me. Or at least distrusts me...Scrawny kitten, belly swollen with worms, crawling with fleas. The use of direct characterization in a book is to describe a persons personality and appearance with direct adjectives and descriptive literary devices. Even though Buttercup isnt a character that appears in any of the book except for the beginning I found that this description shows Suzanne Collins capacity for direct characterization well. It describes Buttercup as a scrawny disease ridden cat who was taken in by Prim. It hates Katniss due to the fact that she tried to drown it in a bucket of water when Prim had first brought it home. The ability to understand the characters personality and see him or her in your minds eye is a very important part of a book. Without being able to see a character it would be hard to place a person in a well described setting. The usage of direct and indirect characterization enhances the story as well as making the Hunger Games a better book to read.

Allan

It takes a while to explain the situation to Peeta. How Foxface stole the food from the supply pile before I blew it up, how she tried to take enough to stay alive but no enough that anyone would notice it, how she wouldnt question the safety of berries we were preparing to eat ourselves (320). Irony means incongruity between what is expected to be and what actually is. Suzanne Collins uses this literary device effectively throughout the book and this quote is a good example of it. In the beginning of the book, Gale says, Well, Catnip, stealing is punishable by death, or hadnt you heard? (110). During the Hunger Games, Foxface would steal food from other tributes in order to survive, but this time she was punished for her stealing and ate poisonous berries that killed her. This is showing irony for what Gale had said. She describes irony very well throughout the story and it helps to understand what the Games and districts were like.

Lucy

The boy took one look back to the bakery as if checking to see that the coast was clear, then, his attention back on the pig, he threw a loaf of bread in my direction (31). This is a great example of foreshadowing. In this passage Katniss is actually having a flashback but it also includes an example of foreshadowing. This happened when both Peeta and Katniss were young. Katniss and her family are starving because they dont have any money to buy food. Katniss goes to the bakery and then gets yelled at by the bakers wife then Peeta comes out and gives her the bread. This starts you wondering if maybe Peeta liked Katniss and that something romantic might begin between them later. Further into the story Peeta admits to Katniss he has liked her since first grade and that helps back up the prediction that Peeta likes Katniss, which he does.

Emily

The slight advantage I held coming into the Training Center, my fiery entrance last night, seems to vanish in the presence of my competition (94). Each must have fifty to one hundred pounds on me. They project arrogance and brutality. When Atala releases us, they head straight for the deadliest-looking weapons in the gym and handle them with ease(95). The quote builds suspense for the reader in this book. It makes the reader think that Katniss is underprivileged and doesnt stand as good a chance as the tributes from district one two and four who have been training all their lives for this moment. It would seem that Suzanne Collins has made it seem that Katniss is superior to many of the underfed tributes but has little or no chance against those who are stronger and trained. Which would make it seem that Katniss chances of winning the Games are much slimmer as opposed to having her be the favored tribute with every chance at winning the Games. The suspense that Suzanne Collins has added to the Hunger Games aids in the telling of the story greatly due to the fact that without the suspense added the story would have one obvious outcome.

Max

Hes probably forgotten it. But I havent and I know I never will. It was during the worst time. My father had been killed in the mine accident three months earlier in the bitterest January anyone could remember. (26) Throughout the book Katniss has many flashbacks. I feel that this particular one is very helpful in getting a bigger picture of her life. It starts to explain how she interacted with Peeta when they were younger and also has an example of foreshadowing. This is good in a flashback because like I said it helps to get a glimpse into Katnisss life before now which is not elaborated on until now. Also, the foreshadowing is good because it gets you thinking maybe something will go on between them as the games progress because maybe Peeta likes her. I think this is a good example of a flashback in the book.

Emily

I can send one of the Capitol people to help you. Theres any number on the train. Cooking for us. Waiting on us. Guarding us. Taking care of us is their job. No. I dont want them, says Peeta. I nod and head to my own room. I understand how Peeta feels. I cant stand the sight of the Capitol people myself. But making them deal with Haymitch might be a small form of revenge(49). One of the themes in the Hunger Games is the districts hating the Capitol and rebelling against it. This quote from the book describes that theme very well because even though it would be easier for Peeta to call in a Capitol staff member to clean Haymitch but he would rather wash Haymitch instead of relying on the Capitol. Suzanne Collins used this to show that even though the districts are ruled over by the Capitol they dont need to rely upon the capitol for aid and can manage themselves. This theme constantly reappears in the book but this is one of the first times Suzanne Collins subtly hints to a rebellion in the story. The theme of the story is well introduced on a smaller scale like this which allows the theme to grow and vary with the story as opposed to staying static.

Max

The crowd draws in a collective breath and then you can hear a pin

drop, and Im feeling nauseous and so desperately hoping that its not me, that its not me, that its not me (20). Mood is a distinctive emotional quality. Suzanne Collins uses this literary device effectively throughout scenes in the book. This example shows the mood as suspenseful or intense. The way she describes this part of the reaping really shows you how intense it is for someone who could possibly be chosen to enter the games. You can just imagine the silence that comes over the crowd before a name is chosen. She describes the mood so well in parts of the story that you can imagine exactly what its like being there at that time.

Lucy

This is the first kiss where I actually feel stirring inside my chest. Warm and curious. This is the first kiss that makes me want another. (298). This is a good representation of a round character because it helps to illustrate a change in Katniss due to a conflict she has been struggling with throughout the book. In a book the round character is usually the main character who encounters some sort of conflict and then is changed by it. Katniss is struggling with her feelings for Peeta all throughout the book. In this passage Katniss realizes that she really does have feelings for Peeta. Prior to this Katniss was only pretending to like Peeta so she could get items from sponsors but now, Katniss realizes that she does like Peeta. This changes Katniss and ultimately affects how the book will end.

Emily

The part about her being ill might be true. (36). This is a good example of a flat character because over the course of the book, this is how Katnisss mother acts. Katnisss mother really doesnt act motherly because she was ill. Even though she has recovered from her illness, shes not very active in taking care of her family. Since a flat character really doesnt change during the story, this example helps to show that Katnisss mother doesnt change throughout the story so shes a flat character.

Emily

Hello, Katniss. Im Cinna, your stylist, he says in a quiet voice somewhat lacking in the Capitols affectations. Hello, I venture cautiously. Just give me a moment, all right? he asks. He walks around my naked body, not touching me, but taking in every inch of it with his eyes. I resist the impulse to cross my arms over my chest. Who did your hair? My mother, I say Its beautiful. Classic really. And in almost perfect balance with your profile. She has very clever fingers, he says (63-64). This dialogue is between Katniss and her stylist Cinna. Each time Suzanne Collins writes a dialogue the way each character talks is distinct and will seldom vary throughout the book. During the dialogue you can see the characters personality shine through the words. This dialogue shows us that Cinna is not as intrusive as some of the stylists in the Capitol have been made out to be. From what this small snippet of dialogue shows us about Cinna is that he is a calm collective person who respects his tributes as people and not an object just for the pleasure of the capitol. The dialogues are well written with them showing the speakers nature. Suzanne Collins use of dialogue to show characters traits in people are effective and aid in the telling of the Hunger Games.

Allan

Coal doesnt turn to pearls. They grow in shellfish. Possibly she meant coal turns to diamonds, but thats untrue, too. Ive heard they have some sort of machine in District 1 that can turn graphite into diamonds. But we dont mine graphite in District 12. That was part of District 13s job until they were destroyed (74). Collins usage of internal dialogue allows the reader some insight into the characters inner thoughts and workings. This dialogue allows the reader to discern Katnisss feeling about Effie Trinket. It tells us that Katniss thinks Effie is a generic ignorant citizen of the Capitol. In other thoughts Katniss has she does remind herself that Effie does truly care about her in Effies own way. The ability to read into a persons thought in a book add to the story immensely allowing for dramatic irony in the story and foreshadowing of what that person may do next.

Allan

Suzanne Collins uses literary devices quite well to describe and enrich her story, characters, and setting. The multiple themes and the subtle way she eludes to themes throughout the story help build the story. The suspense of having a main character as the underdog is common in stories with similar content of rebellion but unlike some the main character gains influence and power indirectly and does not go directly seeking it. The mood Suzanne Collins sets and describes during the start of the Games and the Reaping are very effective and reflect the mood of the main character. Each setting is described very well such as the description of the Capitol when Katniss and Peeta enter the Capitol for the first time, If anything, they have not quite captured the magnificence of the glistening buildings in a rain bow of hues that tower into the air, the shiny cars that roll down the wide paved streets, the oddly dressed people with bizarre hair and painted faces who have never missed a meal. All the colors seem artificial the pinks too deep, the greens too bright, and the yellow painful to the eyes (59). The only thing lacking is a detailed description on the cars and style of buildings but the people are described in great detail later in the book. The main character are well rounded dynamic creations of Suzanne Collins, some characters like Cato, Rue, and the majority of other tributes are static characters due to the fact that they do not survive long enough in the book to truly develop. The symbolism Suzanne Collins uses in the book are usually very clear to the reader. A good example of such a symbol would be the berries in the arena which symbolized rebellion, or the bow and arrow which for Katniss symbolized survival. Overall Suzanne Collins utilizes literary elements to their maximum potential to weave an intense captivating story.

Max