Media Credit: KRT Campus
By Samantha Wood and Lauren Kane –
You read the books, you saw the commercials, you watched the movie, maybe you even have your own mockingjay pin and a shirt that says “I loaf Peeta!”
These may be the extremes of only a few people, but it would be hard not to have heard of this phenomenon, all revolved around The Hunger Games, a movie based on the book by Suzanne Collins of the same name. The movie premiered March 23, 2012, and is ranked #3 for highest opening weekend gross of all time, according to BoxOfficeMojo.com. This book and movie is not only widely popular because of the entertainment factor. It also holds many thought-provoking ideas and connotations that reflect on our society today.
It is because of the extreme popularity and deeper ideas that Anna Mae Mayer, director of the Mercy Center for Spiritual Life, wanted to hold a discussion on the subject. Mayer said, “I watched the movie and found the premise very disturbing, with kids killing each other. I was interested to find out why it is so appealing to so many.”
Though it may be hard to believe, there are some people out there who haven’t poured over the pages of Suzanne Collins’s explosive trilogy. So, if you’re one of those in the dark about the hype, why should you shell out that tenner for a seat to watch The Hunger Games on the big screen? What’s this story all about? Well, allow us to enlighten you. The Hunger Games takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, where 12 poor “districts” (you could consider them states) are ruled over by the excessively wealthy Capitol.
Every year, a boy and girl from each of the districts is selected at random to compete in the Games. They are sent to a large outdoor arena where they are expected to fight to the death for the entertainment of the citizens of the Capitol (though the people of the districts are forced to watch). Enter our heroine, Katniss Everdeen. When Katniss’s younger sister, Prim, is selected to compete in the Games, Katniss steps forward and volunteers to take her place. So begins the adventure into the arena with Katniss. So now that you’re filled in, get together a group of friends, and head to the movies!
The discussion was held in the Mercy Center this past Wednesday, April 25, and was led by junior Megan Sweeney. Sweeney came up with the questions that were discussed, such as “Can a victor truly be a moral or good person? Why or why not?” and “The term ‘Panem’ is translated as ‘bread’ in Latin. How does bread serve as an important symbol in the story? How is it connected to the Christian faith?”
Sweeney was interested in holding this discussion because she read the books when she was 16 years old, and knew that there were so many interesting ideas to discuss. “The author does an amazing job, both in these books and the others that she has written, in dealing with war, and especially the effects it has on children. It’s definitely a warning for our society,” Sweeney said.
Father Kris von Maluski proposed another part of the discussion, revolving around a very critical quote of the movie which was an interesting addition, as it was not included in the book. President Snow (the leader of Panem) says to Seneca Crane (the head of the Hunger Games), “Hope. It is the only thing stronger than fear. A little hope is effective; a lot of hope is dangerous. A spark is fine, as long as it’s contained…. So, contain it.” The discussion revolving around it said that this quote showed the attitude of the government of Panem, to contain the hope of the citizens so as to control them completely.
“This was a really good discussion. It was so interesting to hear what everyone had to say about the underlying themes of this story,” said Mayer afterwards. These themes included the implications of government, the meaning of rivalry, and what truly makes life important.
If you haven’t experienced The Hunger Games yet, join the phenomenon! And may the odds be ever in your favor!
