The novel is a complex and layered one with many themes. Discussing its purpose means understudying to some extent the author's intentions. Certainly one of the themes being explored in this dystopian work of fiction is the idea of totalitarianism, and the ease with which such regimes manipulate and control their citizens. It has been said that media is one of the methods by which political regimes control the masses, and the media spectacle that makes up the Hunger Games competition is designed to be an elaborate production that keeps viewers and audiences engaged, entertained and eager to witness the outcome and enjoy the suspense of the contest of skill. On some level the novel is a commentary on the increasing saturation of culture with electronic media. This is especially ironic in the novel's setting where the natural world and a lack of electronic engagement dominate the lives of most...
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of the citizens. Digital and visual media seem to be a tool and toy of the wealthy elite class.
The games themselves function as both a form of punishment, pitting young people against one another in a fight to the death, and a form of reward for the winning district. The themes of nationalism and patriotism, related to the theme of totalitarian rule, are also explored as the different districts (categorized by the goods or resources they produce, such as coal or grain) are pitted against one another, as they vie for audience loyalty and enthusiasm.
What is the purpose or message of The Hunger Games?
This is a book that has received something of a mixed reception thanks to the brutal violence that is depicted between children. However, I think we can make some helpful conclusions regarding the novel's purpose if we think about the setting and the way that this a dystopian novel. One of the aspects of dystopian literature is the way that harsh, authoritarian and tyrannical regimes oppress the rights of their citizens. Through Katniss the author shows how one person can defy such autocracy and tyranny. Although Katniss is forced to a certain extent to do what the Capitol requires of her, as she must fight in the Hunger Games and kill others to survive, at the same time, she actively looks for ways to shame the Capitol and to expose their abuse of power. Note what she feels after the death of Rue:
I want to do something, right here, right now, to shame them, to make them accountable, to show the Capitol that whatever they do or force us to do there is a part of every tribute they can't own. That Rue was more than a piece in their Games. And so am I.
Also, consider the way that Peeta and Katniss refuse to play along with the Capitol at the end, choosing to die together rather than having to kill one another. Through such events, the novel points towards the way that, no matter how harsh or repressive a regime, it is possible to resist and to oppose such tyrannical forces. However others treat us, we can choose to resist such objectifications and defy being oppressed through our actions, as Katniss shows.