Readings: The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins)

In our reading of The Hunger Games, we have come across a literary motif used time and time again throughout Western literature and culture. This motif is that of the “Christ figure,” a character who sacrifices him or herself for the greater good, and ultimately serves as a catalyst for change in the conflict of the story. In The Hunger Games, Rue embodies this ideal, as she is an innocent being gifted with special abilities (singing to the mockingjays) who dies as a result of an oppressive evil. Moreover, she is killed by a spear through her torso, much as Christ was speared by a Roman soldier while on the cross.

I would like to take the opportunity to make comparisons between the imagery of Rue’s death and other “Christ figures” of the modern age to assert the everlasting presence of this specific motif in our culture. Take for example, Roy Batty in the film Bladerunner. Towards the end of the film, as he pursues Rick Deckard, he pierces his hand with a nail to keep himself from losing his senses and dying. This is akin to Jesus’ death by being nailed to a cross. Additionally, after giving a moving speech on the nature of his existence, he dies and a dove flies up into the sky; this parallels the Holy Spirit flying from Jesus on the cross.

Another apt parallel would be Superman’s recent death in Batman v. Superman, as Superman is impaled in the torso in an effort that ultimately kills the villainous monster, Doomsday. Additionally, in the final shot of the film, the dirt lying on Superman’s coffin rises up; this indicates that the man of steel will rise again, just as Jesus did.