Interpreting Society, Geography, and Characters of the Hunger Games
More than a reference to a literal sunrise on reaping day, Collins’ brilliant title manages to tap into one of the most famous philosophical arguments from the Enlightenment Era. While the lion’s share of attention probably focuses on Scottish philosopher David Hume’s concept of implicit submission, the key to the book’s title is found in…
As discussed in Part 1, the original trilogy features a subplot that follows the growing familial — if challenging– bond between Haymitch and Katniss. Now in Part 2, we’ll focus on how the Sunrise prequel enhances our understanding of both complicated characters. Admittedly, the second prequel does not speak to this relationship directly as Katniss…
(Author’s Note: Due to length, Part 1 below focuses on the trilogy, while Part 2 focuses on Sunrise on the Reaping.) Though not exactly a “hot topic,” the rocky relationship between Haymitch and Katniss serves as an intriguing subplot within the original trilogy. According to authors at Reedsy and Storybilder, to name just a few,…
With the fandom all abuzz about the likely return of Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Woody Harrelson for cameo appearances in Sunrise, why should we necessarily need to wait until the story’s conclusion to enjoy this treat? Although not aligned directly with the novel, there seems to be an opportunity for the goose to lay…
WARNING: Spoiler Alert for Capitol design trends in Sunrise on the Reaping Upon finishing his first read of Sunrise on the Reaping, a student of mine keenly observed, “The color orange is everywhere in this book. What’s with all the orange?” I admittedly had not focused initially on how much orange is “painted” throughout the…
Warning: Spoilers ahead for Sunrise on the Reaping Author’s Fun Note: Sarshee Whitcomb is likely named for author and poet, James Whitcomb Riley (1849-1916), known as the “Hoosier poet” in Indiana for his accomplishments in children’s poetry and as a best-selling author. Given that Suzanne Collins completed her bachelor’s degree at IU-Bloomington, this local prominent…
(Author’s Note: Material here is adapted from sections of my companion book, Behind the Ballads.) There’s no doubt that featuring Coriolanus Snow in the first prequel caused some controversy. Despite what Coryo may think, however, it’s not all about him. We find that beneath the surface of Collins’ plot and main character is a grander…
Warning: Spoilers ahead for Sunrise on the Reaping No more implicit submission for you, Haymitch Abernathy. Plutarch Heavensbee (SOR 197) It appears that Collins’ fundamental message in her second prequel can be boiled down to two words: implicit submission. This concept first appears in the novel’s opening epigraph of quotes, a practice she began with…
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD for Sunrise on the Reaping After a lighthearted moment with Haymitch and Maysilee tromping toward the hedge, the pair is suddenly surprised by a Career ambush (p. 296). Notably, their water jug breaks, the knife having narrowly missed both of them. So far, this is standard fare for Hunger Games action written…
WARNING: Spoilers Ahead for Sunrise on the Reaping (though no plot revelations) Perhaps no other character in Sunrise has raised more eyebrows in disgust than the repulsive Magno Stift. Making his shocking entrance as District 12’s stylist, Haymitch describes his sun-leathered skin tattooed with a snakeskin pattern, sandals laced all the way to his pelvis,…
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Tom Paradis
The World of Panem 