Abstract
The publication of and the critical and public success of Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games trilogy marks a significant departure from the norms of traditionally-popular young adult literature, particularly in its portrayal of a fiercely active female protagonist. This thesis argues that despite the noticeable progress these novels make in representing a strong female character, The Hunger Games series fails to adequately challenge other important aspects of oppression. I conduct a feminist literary analysis of The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay, focusing specifically on representations of capitalism and commodification, national and district pride, and sexual objectification and sexual harassment of female characters. Informed by feminist literary theory, this thesis provides a more nuanced analysis of the series and questions the degree to which it advances feminist goals. I demonstrate that, in addition to Katniss' lack of agency, the pro-capitalist and pro-nationalist aspects of The Hunger Games series signal a departure from an anti-oppressive, feminist agenda.
Advisor
Maria Bevacqua
Committee Member
Jocelyn Stitt
Committee Member
Monika Antonelli
Date of Degree
2013
Language
english
Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Master of Arts (MA)
College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Recommended Citation
Peters, M. A. (2013). The Ambiguity of Panem: Capitalism, Nationalism, and Sexuality in Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games Series [Master’s thesis, Minnesota State University, Mankato]. Cornerstone: A Collection of Scholarly and Creative Works for Minnesota State University, Mankato. https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/etds/127/
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