The World of Panem
Interpreting Society, Geography, and Characters of the Hunger Games
Tag: ballad of songbirds and snakes
What Lies Beneath the Snow: How Lucy Gray, Coriolanus, and Sejanus Explore Human Nature Throughout Songbirds and Snakes
(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… Continue Reading “What Lies Beneath the Snow: How Lucy Gray, Coriolanus, and Sejanus Explore Human Nature Throughout Songbirds and Snakes”
Unpacking David Hume’s “Implicit Submission”: How He Might Critique Songbirds and Snakes and the Social Contract
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… Continue Reading “Unpacking David Hume’s “Implicit Submission”: How He Might Critique Songbirds and Snakes and the Social Contract”
Trajan Heavensbee: A Featured Ancestor in Sunrise Appears First in a Surprising Place.
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD for Sunrise on the Reaping Beyond all the familiar names and revelations we encounter in Sunrise, none made my jaw drop more than the mention of Trajan Heavensbee’s portrait in the family mansion. We “meet the Heavensbees” through Haymitch’s cynical eyes… Continue Reading “Trajan Heavensbee: A Featured Ancestor in Sunrise Appears First in a Surprising Place.”
Announcing a New Book on All Things “Ballad!”
I’m thrilled to announce my second book interpreting the Hunger Games saga, this one focused especially on the “Ballad” film and its connections to the prequel and original series! Titled Behind the Ballads: A Tribute to the People, Places, and Music of Songbirds and… Continue Reading “Announcing a New Book on All Things “Ballad!””
Year of Ballad! A Guide to Media Articles and News
Production, Filming, and Casting for Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (Release Date: Nov. 17, 2023) The following select collection of online sources provides a go-to place for “all things Ballad,” including production, filming locations, casting, and related information from a variety… Continue Reading “Year of Ballad! A Guide to Media Articles and News”
Announcing a New Book on the Hunger Games Saga (Including the Prequel)
A Place Called District 12: Appalachian Geography and Music in the Hunger Games, by Thomas Paradis For highlights and background, please see an Interview with author Tom Paradis about his new book, A Place Called District 12. Provided by Religious Studies Professor, James McGrath,… Continue Reading “Announcing a New Book on the Hunger Games Saga (Including the Prequel)”
The Case for Maude Ivory as a Future Grandmother
(SPOILER ALERT for The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes) Perhaps one of the more light-hearted debates among fans has been whether we have indeed met one of Katniss’ ancestors within the prequel. After reading a variety of perspectives on this issue, I began to… Continue Reading “The Case for Maude Ivory as a Future Grandmother”
The Butter Enigma: Why Future Books May Be Coming
(NOTE: Spoiler Alert for The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes) (Feature Image: An old crank-type butter churn. Source: Creative Commons, the Mallala Museum.) There are admittedly some compelling arguments as to why Suzanne Collins’ Prequel may be her last in the series. Indicators include… Continue Reading “The Butter Enigma: Why Future Books May Be Coming”
Tam Amber’s “Teardrop” Mandolin
(NOTE: Spoiler Alert for The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.) Some readers may be surprised to see a rather obscure string instrument show up in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes—namely Tam Amber’s mandolin. As the narrator describes, he “proved something of a standout… Continue Reading “Tam Amber’s “Teardrop” Mandolin”
The Covey’s Mountain Music and the “High, Lonesome Sound”
(Note: Spoiler Alert for The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes) (Author’s Note: This is a draft excerpt from my future book focusing on the culture of District 12, still taking shape as of this writing.) One of the southern Appalachian region’s most distinctive cultural… Continue Reading “The Covey’s Mountain Music and the “High, Lonesome Sound””
Meet the Author
Tom Paradis
This site inspired by a first-year seminar on the Hunger Games at Butler University.
The World of Panem 