Happy Hunger
Games! I hope everyone had a blessed weekend. Today we're in chapter 6 but
before we dive in let's look at last week's discussion...
Last week we
discussed outward beauty and its emphasis on our culture. We agreed that our
society has glamorized beauty so much so that we have failed to validate the
inner beauty. It’s not all about good looks and it’s a very convoluted message
we are sending to our daughters.
Today in chapter
6 we take a look at another sticky topic-guilt. Katniss meets an avox and
immediately recognizes her. When she realizes that she may have been a reason
for the girl’s presence guilt becomes the newest dinner guest. We are drawn
into the scene and fully aware of everything Katniss witnesses when the girl is
taken away by hovercraft. Collins does an excellent job of making us a part of
the story, feeling all those conflicting emotions. What will happen if I try
and help her? Are the consequences worth the risk of getting involved? Will I
ever see the girl again?
When I think of
this scene I am overcome with my own issues surrounding guilt. There have been
times when I could have interceded but chose to remain hidden in the
background. There were times when it was easier to allow circumstance to unfold
without causing interruption. Time has taken place the way it was meant to and
I am the bystander who did not interject. What have I learned from remaining
quiet?
Another issue I
took note of was the pampering the tributes are receiving during their stay at
the capitol. I am intrigued why such lavishness is expended on people that are
preparing to die. Is all this extravagance for the benefit of the tributes or
the wealthy sponsors in the capitol? I can’t help but see a twisted spiritual
side to this situation. The wealthy line their pockets and their bellies with all
things decadent. Meanwhile they are dying inside. Peeta makes the statement, “I
would leave.” How many of us would leave our current state of comfort and
security in exchange for inner peace and serenity?
Things I
pondered:
·
Effie
seems completely oblivious to her own sickness. She accuses District 12 of
barbarism while preparing her tributes for murder. How many of us prepare our
children for life in the world without ever giving them real, helpful tools for
survival?
·
Katniss’s
sense of powerlessness resonates in my spirit. Is her inability to help worthy
of the guilt she feels? Is her guilt justified or is she being too hard on
herself? Is there ever a time when it’s too dangerous to get involved?
That’s all for
this week! Next week things heat up when we get a little closer to the arena.
See you on Monday!
Posts
6 comments:
I haven't read the book, but I'm still getting a lot from your analysis. In fact, I'm going to wait till you're done with all the chapters, and THEN read the book.
Sorry I'm late to the party. :)
One thing I noticed in this novel, not just in chapter six, but throughout, was the clear presentation of character goals in each and every scene. Actually, there's a large goal and numerous mini-goals to take us to the large goal.
This is an important point. Exceptional writing presents a clear character goal in *ever scene*. If you don't know your scene goal, chances are, your reader won't either. And if they don't know the goal, how can they root for the outcome?
But just when I was about to give up hope, hope arises.
we know the big goal--survival. The mini-goal now is gaining sponsorships. Notice how everything, every page and chapter, furthers the story either by helping move Katness toward her goal or standing in the way of it.
Also notice, although the overriding goal is enough to keep us engaged, the author continues to plan questions in our mind--questions that keep us reading.
On page 77, Katness encounters another girl--one she recognizes. This immediately hit my radar and I wondered if the author was setting up a plot twist. I wondered if this girl might possibly help Katness escape.
This question helped keep the novel from becoming predictable.
I have a sticky note on my printer to remind me of the importance of unexpected twists. The note says just that: "unique twists."
I believe writers would do well to spend time, pre-writing, to brainstorm unique ideas. I believe they would do well midway through to pause and prayefully brainstorm unique twists. When they get to the ending, I think they'd do even better to spend a great deal of time finding a unique ending. It's hard to do, but the result is a delightfully unexpected story.
Finally, I wanted to point out the exceptional hook at the end of this chapter. I don't think I can type it here for copywright reasons, but read the last line of ch. 6 again. Makes you want to keep reading, right?
Interesting concept, mini-goals. We have the big picture and then we have the smaller, more subtle picture to keep in mind as well. Katniss's well-being depends on sponsors which are vital to her survival. It's a brilliant strategy to keep us reading to the next page. The plot twist at the end of the chapter was fascinating and disturbing and completely engaging. Yes, I do want to read more.
Interesting concept, mini-goals. We have the big picture and then we have the smaller, more subtle picture to keep in mind as well. Katniss's well-being depends on sponsors which are vital to her survival. It's a brilliant strategy to keep us reading to the next page. The plot twist at the end of the chapter was fascinating and disturbing and completely engaging. Yes, I do want to read more.
I haven't read Hunger Games. But it is on my to-read list. I enjoyed your analysis, the book just moved up higher on my list.
Thanks, Rita! I appreciate the support!
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