Critical Context

In the critical essay, "Revolutionary Art in the Age of Reality TV", Katheryn Wright explains how today's reality shows can help us better understand the connection that the Hunger Games brings to everyone in Panem. "In which television is the population's primary means of communication." (Wright, 106) for both the people in the Capitol and the districts. Watching loved ones in the districts case and for the sick amusement for the Capitols' people, the Hunger Games is considered the entertainment in Panem. One of the connections that the essay compared the Hunger Games was that of the Olympics. It is a show that brings together the whole United States and most of the world to watch and experience the games. Much like the games bring to all of Panem but with a horrific aspect and understanding that the Capitol has power over everyone in the games and its' districts. It's a reminder to all the districts that they aren't free, and that in some sick sense the Capitol feels it is justified in making the districts watch their children fight and die for the rebellion that once happened. Wright also explains how Katniss plays the most important role through the reality t.v. aspect in that she can play off the audiences feelings. She gives the audience what they want to see in hopes that she is able to gain sponsors. Playing her role in the Hunger Games also gives her a type of control over the audience because she has become the major story in the games. She is who the people love to watch the most. So she is able to manipulate them into thinking things that aren't really there such as the star-crossed lover relationship. People in the Capitol and in the surrounding districts might feel the connection with  the love story but the truth is Katniss is playing everyone. Even the tributes who are participating in the games. I thought that Wright had many good points about the reality aspect of the book because you can see that type of control over people through that technological medium today. Obviously not to that extreme but the idea of having that connection and how the programs shape our reality in the real world.

Citation

 Wright, Katheryn. "Revolutionary Art in the Age of Reality TV." Of Bread, Blood and The Hunger Games: Critical Essays on the Suzanne Collins Trilogy. Eds. Mary F. Pharr and Leisa A. Clark. Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 2012. pg. 98-107. Print.