In the breakout book series (soon to be major motion picture in March 2012), the protagonist Katniss Everdeen goes from being a nobody in her poverty-stricken district in post-apocalyptic North America, to a renowned superheroine, leading the country in revolution. The Hunger Games is a survivor-type reality show that Panam (America's new name) government puts on, in which 24 children between the ages of 12 and 18 fight to the finish, with only one live survivor at the end. Katniss's first heroic move is volunteering to fight instead of her sister, when her kid sister is drafted into the games. Knowing that her life will most likely not continue after the games, given that she is female (and therefore considered weaker) and from the most destitute area.
Katniss goes into the Hunger Games, and through the alliances she makes, and her extreme skill in archery, she makes it out alive. She and the boy sent from her district team up together and refuse to leave the arena unless both of them survive. Katniss can certainly be considered a superheroine during the games, but her true shining moments come after the games are over and the government is out to get her. The country is in serious need of a change, as the government controls their every move--let's just say their constitution looks nothing like ours. Katniss, even when she feels like she has nothing left, musters the strength to change the country. She develops a band of followers, whose symbol is the mockingjay, the animal on a pin Katniss wore throughout the entire Hunger Games. Katniss does not possess superpowers, but she is courageous, strong, and fights to overturn those who are corrupt and unjust. She is regarded as a superhero by all of the people in her district, as well as the other districts who feel similarly oppressed.
A superhero is not just a person who possesses special powers, but is someone who can make a difference in at least one life that will have a lasting and meaningful effect.
This is a great book and I encourage all those who haven't read it to read it. I agree Katniss is very heroic throughout the entire book, but I think she becomes even more so in later books. I don't want to give anything away for those who are planning to read it, but I feel like she really grows into who she is as time goes on. If anyone else has read the entire series, do you agree?
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for this movie since I read the books and I totally agree with you she definitely evolves as the series goes on and she is a magnificent example of a modern literary heroine.
ReplyDeleteI agree as well! What makes Katniss great isn't that she can kick ass, cause any of the careers could do that. Katniss is great because she cares about people and her District and makes a difference for her family, for Rue, and for the world.
ReplyDeleteTotally true she ends up leading a rebellion and fighting for her family and for her friends, and that is how she makes a difference.
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