Analysis of Hunger Games through Feminism Literary Lens

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Analysis of Hunger Games through Feminism Literary Lens
The development of our current understanding of sexual diversity and gender identity has been significantly influenced by feminist cinema theory and critique. Many scholars have contributed to this field, creating new concepts and furthering our knowledge. They have focused on challenging representations of women in cinema and providing new ways of understanding the female experience. By examining cinema history through the lens of other media, such as television and video, academics have explored how consumerism and the presentation of films have impacted the development of cinema arts. The growth of this academic field has been greatly facilitated by feminist film theory, which has helped to shape research and articulate feminist concerns. By understanding the foundations and influences of feminist cinema theory, we can reevaluate our assumptions about how knowledge is formed. This essay will explore how feminist themes are present in The Hunger Games, with a particular focus on the character of Katniss Everdeen.
Katniss is a complex character who undergoes multiple transformations throughout The Hunger Games trilogy. While Katniss is often depicted as a rough-and-tumble character--dressing in leather boots and hiding her hair beneath a hat--she is not without her softer moments. For example, she will don a dress when it is customary in her community. This multifaceted nature is evident throughout The Hunger Games series. In the first book, Katniss is focused on survival, making it through the games to be reunited with her family. However, as the series progresses, her aspirations shift to sparking societal change (Hansen 172). Throughout the narrative, we see Katniss evolve from a mother struggling to protect her family to a fearless fighter leading a revolt. As the sole narrator of the series, Katniss provides a unique window into her journey of self-discovery...
District 12 is the last district of Panem, with the Capitol serving as its capital city, and both Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark are residents of this district. The President of the Capitol, President Snow, has mandated that all Panem inhabitants between the ages of 12 and 18 participate in the game. As a means of the Capitol informing the residents of Panem that they are under their control and that any undesirable conduct or rebellion would be harshly punished, these killer games are meant to ensure peace in the district. District Twelve. "Always near enough to scurry back to safety if conflict breaks out. Where you may safely starve to death," I murmur. Then I swiftly cast a peek behind me. You fear someone could overhear you even here, in the middle of nowhere” (Collins 170). While living in an oppressive regime, Katniss is terrified about what the future may bring for him. Because Katniss spends much of her time in her head and is thus not very sociable, the oppression and dread she experiences that encircle her and her tribe significantly influence the formation of her personality. She has a quiet personality.
Katniss is a great archer, and in addition to possessing predominantly male traits, she has also developed certain feminine features over her time in District 1. In addition to having a kind and loving personality, Katniss is considerably more mature than one would anticipate for a young girl. As a man, Peeta is supposed to exemplify masculinity more strongly. He supports communal living and is more willing to express his thought. On the other side, Katniss is often portrayed as icy and emotionless, if not repulsive (Hansen 175). Katniss considers her existence in Panem difficult, but she tries to survive and improve her and her family's lives by killing animals. The woodland where she hunts is closed off to the district's residents. It is prohibited, and a wired electric fence encloses the area to keep outsiders out. However, the fence is not always electrified, making it easy to get past it and into the forest behind it. Although it is against the law to cross the wall, Katniss gladly takes this chance to collect meals for her family. She risks her life to keep them alive. This demonstrates her sensitive side. On the other hand, she proves her independence and bravery by exploring the forest herself. Crossing the fence in defiance of authority reveals her impulsive character and male elements in her actions, which are further developed later in the novel.
Katniss's displays of masculinity are evident in a variety of ways. For one, her typical clothing choices reflect a more masculine sensibility. This may be due in part to the fact that Katniss was forced to assume the role of provider for her family after her father's death. Her clothing choices reflect this necessity. For example, in one passage, Katniss describes donning hunting boots, a shirt, pants, and a hat before heading out to forage (Collins, 200). While she occasionally complies with societal expectations by wearing a dress to social gatherings (Pulliam, 190), more often than not, she seems to reject traditional feminine norms. This is further underscored by her decision to conceal her long braid beneath a hat.
Katniss displays a number of both traditionally masculine and feminine qualities. While she is skilled in using weapons such as arrows and guns—a skill typically associated with men—she also takes on a nurturing role within her family. Following her father's death, Katniss assumes responsibility for both her mother and her sister, Prim (Firestone, n.p). This is particularly important because her mother is often incapacitated by grief and unable to care for the family on her own (Collins 250). Katniss' strength and assertiveness, in this sense, allow her to take on a more traditionally masculine role. However, her concern for her family's wellbeing also demonstrates her capacity for empathy and nurturing, qualities often seen as feminine. In the Hunger Games, Katniss navigates a range of gender norms and expectations, and her gender identity fluctuates accordingly. As she prepares to leave for the competition, she urges her mother to be strong and take care of Prim in her absence, once again demonstrating her capacity for both strength and empathy.
Katniss depends solely on her physical prowess and autonomy in the games at the start of the training. Being a hunter and the family's ...