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dystopian resilience commentary on excerpt
Sunrise on the Reaping (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)
Page 14 Review
A Grim Reality and a Glimmer of Resilience: A Commentary on Excerpt
This excerpt paints a stark picture of survival in a dystopian world, brimming with anxiety and the quiet determination to endure.
It immediately draws us into the protagonist’s internal struggle, juxtaposing the overwhelming odds against them with a defiant spirit.
The opening lines set the stage:
“Twice as many kids.
No point in worrying, I tell myself, there’s nothing you can do about it.
Like two Hunger Games in one.
No way to control the outcome of the reaping or what follows it.
So don’t feed the nightmares.
Don’t let yourself panic.
Don’t give the Capitol that.
They’ve taken enough already.”
Facing the Uncontrollable: The Weight of the Reaping
The protagonist’s words reveal a world where children are subjected to unimaginable horrors, reminiscent of “The Hunger Games.” The phrase “Twice as many kids” suggests an escalation of the brutality, amplifying the sense of dread and helplessness.
The protagonist’s internal monologue is a defense mechanism, a desperate attempt to maintain control in the face of utter powerlessness.
The repetition of “Don’t” emphasizes the constant battle against despair.
A Silent Rebellion: Refusing to Yield to the Capitol
The line “Don’t give the Capitol that.
They’ve taken enough already” is crucial.
It highlights the power dynamic between the oppressed and the oppressors.
The “Capitol” represents a force that thrives on fear and control.
By refusing to panic, the protagonist engages in a silent act of rebellion, denying the Capitol the satisfaction of witnessing their despair.
This act of defiance, however small, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
A Journey to the Graveyard and Beyond
The setting shifts to a somber landscape: “I follow the empty cinder street to the hill with the miners’ graveyard.
A jumble of rough markers spikes the slope.
Everything from headstones with carved names and dates to wooden boards with peeling paint.
My pa’s buried in the family plot.” This imagery underscores the prevalence of death and loss, a constant reminder of the harsh realities of their world.
The description of the graveyard as a “jumble of rough markers” further emphasizes the lack of order and the crude nature of existence.
Finding Solace in Work: The Still and Hattie Meeney
Escape comes in the form of dangerous, yet necessary, labor: “After a quick check for witnesses — no one’s here much, and certainly not at dawn — I crawl under the fence into the woods outside District 12 and begin the trek to the still.
Brewing white liquor with Hattie Meeney is dicey business, but it’s a picnic compared to killing rats or cleaning outhouses.” This transition highlights the protagonist’s resourcefulness and willingness to undertake risky endeavors for survival.
The comparison to “killing rats or cleaning outhouses” illustrates the dire circumstances and the limited options available.
A Partnership Forged in Necessity
The relationship with Hattie Meeney offers a glimpse of hope and collaboration in a bleak world: “She expects me to work hard, but she works hard herself, and even though she’ll never see sixty again, she can do more than a person half her age.
There’s a lot of grunt work involved.
Collecting firewood, hauling grain, taking in the full bottles and toting back the empties to be refilled.
That’s where I come in.
I’m Hattie’s mule.” This passage underscores the importance of community and shared effort in overcoming adversity.
Hattie’s strength and work ethic inspire the protagonist, creating a symbiotic relationship where both individuals contribute to their mutual survival.
The Depot: A Symbol of Secret Activity
The final lines introduce the “depot,” a concealed location used for illicit activities: “I stop at what we call the depot, a bare patch of ground concealed by the drooping boughs of a willow tree, where Hattie drops off supplies.
Two…” This suggests a clandestine operation, highlighting the need for secrecy and the constant threat of discovery.
The “drooping boughs of a willow tree” create an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue, leaving the reader eager to uncover what awaits at the depot.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this excerpt is a masterclass in world-building and character development.
It paints a vivid picture of a dystopian society, filled with fear, loss, and oppression.
However, amidst the darkness, there is a glimmer of hope in the protagonist’s resilience, resourcefulness, and the bonds of community.
The narrative is compelling, leaving the reader eager to learn more about this world and the challenges that lie ahead.
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Dystopian Resilience Commentary On Excerpt
Read more: Commentary: Dehumanization in the Games