How The Hunger Games Proves Authoritarianism To Be Ineffective Long-Term

 How The Hunger Games Proves Authoritarianism To Be Ineffective Long-Term 

 

The dystopian novel, The Hunger Games (THG) by Suzanne Collins, is, by technicality, merely that: dystopian. Fiction. However, THG is well known for being representative of a future American society, the current world destroyed by global warming. All points, themes, and ideas highlighted beneath the surface of the text, therefore, are deliberately made in reference to our society, especially that of the USA. Most significantly, Collins makes a sharp political argument: authoritarianism may be successful in obtaining immediate obedience but cannot be sustained long-term. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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First, what is authoritarianism? According to Britannica, authoritarianism is “the blind submission to authority and the repression of individual freedom of thought and action.” 3 Key characteristics of such a government include concentrated power, control of information, repression of civil liberties, systemic fear, subversion of law, and lack of political opponents. Therefore, in simplified terms, authoritarian governments can be identified by one key feature: complete governmental control.  

 

When Panem, the setting of THG, is introduced to the audience, an authoritarian society is firmly in place, ruled solely by President Snow, with no means of democratic voting and zero political opposition. His control highlights nearly all features of an authoritarian government: complete authority over brutal law enforcement, constant surveillance, and heavy manipulation of propaganda. Finally, the Hunger Games themselves are a severe form of societal control, annually forcing children aged 12 to 17 to fight to death on national television, thus punishing rebellion, maintaining fear, and showcasing the Capitol’s absolute power. At the beginning of this story, Katniss shows no sign of believing change can happen. President Snow has total control; that’s how it has been since before she was born and how it will continue to be for as long as she lives. 

 

But given authoritarian governments’ heavy reliance on control, what happens when control is suddenly lost?  

 

From the moment Katniss behaves outside of the Capitol’s expectations, she becomes a threat to their fragile hold on society. Volunteering in her sister's place, scoring a high rating, becoming a fan favourite, and showing continuous empathy all break the stereotypes the Capitol’s propaganda uses to its advantage. Then, at the end of the book, she, along with Peeta, pretends to eat poisonous berries, forcing the Gamemakers to allow two victors – something never done before. Katniss’ plan works, thus meaning she has outsmarted the Capitol, and, by association, President Snow. Following this public humiliation, Panem is thrown into unrest and disarray, sparks of rebellion breaking through the now-increasing cracks in control. 

 

“Funny, in the arena, when I poured out those berries, I was only thinking of outsmarting the Gamemakers, not how my actions would reflect on the Capitol. But the Hunger Games are their weapon, and you are not supposed to be able to defeat it.” 

• The Hunger Games, pg. 435 

 

The Hunger Games, therefore, is highly effective in showing how easily authoritarian governments crumble the moment any sense of control is lost, thus showing Suzanne’s underlying political argument to be true. Authoritarianism may be able to obtain immediate obedience, but it is only a matter of time before this form of society falls.