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The Hunger Games: Sample Essay

*Bold words= analytical language


Suzanne Collins dystopian novel, The Hunger Games, investigates many themes, Commented [CL1]: Introduction
including that survival in harsh environments requires risk taking, that inequality is a Introduces the author and novel
First sentence answers the question by listing the
powerful tool for separation and control, and that unity is key in combating oppression. This themes that the essay will discuss (thesis)
essay will examine how Collins uses a range of language devices, including both structural Includes statement that the essay will look at how ideas
about the themes are communicated using literary
features and literary techniques, to explore these ideas. devices.

One of the main themes outlined in The Hunger Games is that survival in harsh Commented [CL2]: ST: what this paragraph will be about
environments requires risk taking. Once the games begin, Katniss begins making decisions
based on her assessment of the risk involved versus the potential gain, immediately. For Commented [CL3]: E (example/ evidence)
example, as soon as the gong rings, she decides to head towards the Cornucopia and the
other tributes, despite Haymitchs advice to turn and flee straight away. Collins uses graphic
imagery to emphasise how high the risk she is taking is, as shown by the quote, A boy, I Commented [CL4]: Technique/ quote (Part of evidence)
think from District 9, reaches the pack at the same time I do and for a brief time we grapple
for it and then he coughs, splattering my face with blood. I stagger back, repulsed by the
warm, sticky spray. Then the boy slips to the ground. Thats when I see the knife in his
back, (p. 182). This vivid description of the boys swift and violent death highlights the
danger Katniss has placed herself in by running towards the Cornucopia- it could quite easily
have been Katniss warm, sticky spray over the boys face instead. The supplies she gains Commented [CL5]: E- Explanation/ effect. The so what?
through this action, however, later prove key in her survival, allowing Katniss to collect and factor. How does the use of this technique help to create
meaning?
purify water, and to evade the Career Tributes by sleeping in tree. In this way, Collins
Commented [CL6]: L: link sentence
illustrates that to give our self the best chance of survival, we have to take risks.
Another theme explored in the novel is that inequality is a powerful tool for
separation and control. In the nation of Panem, The Capitol has created a hierarchical
system. For example, the people of Districts 1, 2 and 4 enjoy greater wealth and privilege
than the outer Districts, and unlike those of District 12, do not go hungry. However, it is
made clear that inequality also exists between different groups of people within District 12.
Katniss explains how the tesserae system is used to divide people, stating, the tesserae
is just another tool to cause misery in our District. A way to plant hatred between the
starving workers of the Seam and those who can generally count on supper; and thereby
ensure we will never trust one another, (p. 16). The use of first person narration conveys
Katniss cynical tone, and her clear criticism and dislike of the Capitol. Katniss then predicts
that Gale might say Its to the Capitols advantage to have us divided among ourselves, if it
were not reaping day, further illustrating her acute understanding of the Capitols motives.
If the population are sharply divided both between and within the Districts, they are unlikely
to join forces to identify and rebel against their real oppressors, The Capitol. The novel,
therefore, highlights how creating inequality can assist in controlling a population and
maintaining power.
The idea that unity is key in combating oppression is also exemplified in The Hunger Commented [CL7]: ST: what this paragraph will be about
Games. As discussed above, the novel makes it clear that The Capitol has intentionally Commented [CL8]: E: evidence/ example
created fear and distrust for one another amongst the Districts as a means of suppressing
rebellion. Conversely, The Hunger Games provides several examples of how working
together can lead to victory over oppression. This is most evident in the development of
Katniss and Peetas relationship, and their dual victory at the end of the games. The power
that they will gain through working together is foreshadowed early in the novel, when they Commented [CL9]: Technique 1
are first introduced to the people of the Capitol. Although initially sceptical about holding
hands with Peeta to demonstrate unity, Katniss states, Im glad now I have Peeta to clutch Commented [CL10]: Quote (links to technique 1 and 2)
for balance; he is so steady, solid as a rock. The use of this simile accentuates Peetas Commented [CL11]: Technique 2
strength, and his ability to support Katniss both physically and mentally. At the conclusion of Commented [CL12]: E: Explanation/ effectiveness
the games, it is Katniss and Peetas decision to stay united- to die together rather than let
the Gamemakers manipulate them into turning on each other- that ultimately sees the
Capitol humiliated and its power to control undermined. Collins highlights the importance Commented [CL13]: Technique 3
of their actions through dialogue, with Hamitch warning Katniss, Youre in trouble. Word is, Commented [CL14]: Quote 2 (links to technique 3)
the Capitols furious about you showing them up in the arena. The one thing they cant
stand is being laughed at, and right now theyre the joke of Panem, (p. 433). This advice
from a mentor who has proven his understanding of the Capitol and the games, draws the
readers attention to just how successful Katniss and Peetas rebellious unity was in
destabilizing the Capitol. It is made clear, then, that unity is crucial in successfully revolting Commented [CL15]: E: explanation/ effectiveness
against oppression. Commented [CL16]: L: link statement

In conclusion, The Hunger Games explores a variety of themes, including that Commented [CL17]: Coclusion
survival in harsh environments requires risk taking, that inequality is a powerful tool for Restates arguments- provides a neat wrap up of what the
essay has discussed.
separation and control and that unity is key in combating oppression. Collins successfully No new information presented
uses a wide variety of language devices to illustrate her ideas about these themes, including Summary of conclusion, but reworded
both structural elements and literary techniques.

WORD COUNT: 881 words

*The third paragraph is an example of using more than one quote/ technique. It is still a
STEEL paragraph, but has two sets of Es so it looks like this:
ST
Example/ evidence 1
Explanation 1
Example/ evidence 2
Explanation 2
L

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