Monday, April 29, 2013
Blog #1--Character development
I have found the first 9 chapters of Hunger Games to be incredibly easy to read. I think much of this is attributed to Collins' straightforward and plot-driven writing style. Her quick character development of Katniss, the protagonist, and the other important characters such as Peeta also contribute to this novel being a quick read. There is little to know ambiguity surrounding Katniss, especially in the beginning of the novel. In the first chapter alone many of the the factors that motivate Katniss' character are exposed. Her social and economic situation, living in the Seam the poorest area of District 12; past tragedies, her father's death at a young age; her responsibility for her family, "they're not our kids, of course. But they might as well be. Gale's two little brothers and a sister. Prim. And you may as well throw in our mothers, too, because how would they live without us?" (9). Because of this, I found myself feeling attached to Katniss early on and particularly invested in her story. Collins does the same with Peeta, which is why the most recent twist of Peeta confessing that he has a crush on Katniss very interesting. I agree with Chris that determining and dealing with her relationship with Peeta will be an important part of the novel going forward and a possible struggle for Katniss.
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I agree that Hunger Games was a really quick read, and I think as you progress through the story it gets even easier as the plot thickens and you become invested in Katniss's survival. The pace of the novel quickens when they enter the arena and I found it actually hard to put down. I think this is definitely an appropriate writing style for this type of plot because I imagine that Katniss also was consumed by her own survival so the whole experience probably passed in a blur. The only parts I got sort of tripped up on were the dialogues, because I found Collins' writing of the dialogue a little awkward and too straightforward to sound like it was something the character would actually say.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. Is the plot-driven narrative lacking in literary merit? Or is the plot itself compelling enough, in your mind, to carry the story forward? This novel is certainly not a Pulitzer winner, but Collins definitely weaves a thrilling story, and I agree that the reader is immediately drawn in. But I also wonder whether her pace and plot focus come with the sacrifice of "good writing."
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