Oh, Katniss.
April 23rd, 2012 by Kristi Stephens
Oh, Katniss.
Katniss Everdeen of the Hunger Games trilogy and I have spent some ridiculously late nights together lately. It seems that no matter how much the clock tries to pull me back to reality, it is not enough to make me be a responsible girl and put the book down and go to sleep. The pages just keep turning as time marches on. And I know I’m not alone!
What is it about Katniss, Peeta, Gale, and the other Hunger Games characters that so capture our imaginations and cause us to happily lose sleep? Why are we drawn to this strange storyline?
As the author herself observes, people identify with these books in a variety of different ways. The abuse of power, hunger and the lack of food, the influence of media, statements about reality TV and desensitization to violence, standing up against what is wrong – many themes stand out and cause readers to respond emotionally.
I’ve pondered this question since I turned the last page of Mockingjay, and my thought is this: we respond to Katniss because the questions she wrestles with are the questions we all face. What is the real nature of humanity? Can anyone be trusted? Is there any hope for us? Is there anyone who will truly love us unconditionally, even when they see what we’re really made of?
Even though the scenario is unusual, I think we resonate with Katniss because we have all found ourselves asking these questions in the arena of our lives. Wondering who will betray us. Wondering who will love us. Grieving the victims of senseless evil.
So this week, join me for some conversations with Katniss. Things I would love to talk with her about if she was a real person (and honestly – don’t we wish she was?).
We’ll provide the lamb stew.
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April 23rd, 2012 at 8:29 am
I have just finished Hunger Games and am now reading Catching Fire. I look forward to the next days…
April 23rd, 2012 at 8:30 am
I’m really looking forward to reading the rest of these posts!
April 23rd, 2012 at 10:00 am
I admit I saw the movie and didn’t read the books, but “people in my house” did … ;) Can’t wait to hear what you share.
May 10th, 2012 at 10:07 am
I was deeply stirred when I watched the film, and haven’t read the books yet but am increasingly thinking i need to! Katniss was stuck in my head for days afterward, and I eventually came to the conclusion that it was because she represented so strongly the things i admire and aspire to – strength, rawness, beauty, quietness – and strangely her lack of confidence/uncertainty of whether or not people liked her and her emotional flare when she discovered Peeta loved her drew me to her most strongly. At first I entertained the idea that she was a picture of Jesus, but I eventually realised that she was actually a much better representation of me and my reactions to Jesus. My hostility to intimacy, and unstable self-esteem despite being respected and having an internal strength and passion for justice were all quite sharp in her. I then realised that the reason I was so drawn to her in such a consuming and inescapable way was because of my twisted self-love. Peeta on the other hand showed sacrificial love and a deep/steadfast commitment to her despite appearing weak and vulnerable to our world-conditioned perspectives. There is much more to be learned! And it’s amazing to see that so many others are recognising the power of the characters and the reminiscence of spiritual battle. Thank you! I liked your post on ‘the enemy’ too as I realised part of the necessary setting for the perfect Love is to be amongst adversity. Jesus open our eyes to the war and your Deep Love in the midst of it!