Suzanne Collins

Battle Royale is a novel by Japanese writer Koushun Takami. Originally completed in 1996, it was not published until 1999. The story tells of junior high school students who are forced to fight each other to the death in a program run by the authoritarian Japanese government, now known as the Republic of Greater East Asia.

“42 students. Only one way to survive.”

Battle Royale was adapted into a 2000 feature film of the same name. In June 2006, there was intention to produce an American film adaptation, however, after the Virginia Tech massacre in April 2007, the prospects for the project were "seriously shaken.“

In 2012, a remake would no longer be possible due to the release of the film adaptation of The Hunger Games, which has been criticized for its similarities to Battle Royale because, "Audiences would see it as just a copy of Games — most of them wouldn't know that Battle Royale came first.”  

Before becoming a writer of novels, Suzanne Collins was an adult playwright and a writer for a number of critically acclaimed children’s television shows.

Since then she has written a popular fantasy book series for middle-schoolers, entitled The Overland Chronicles, as well as the children’s picture book, When Charlie McButton Lost Power, illustrated by Mike Lester.

Ms. Collins’s most recent series is a fictional trilogy; The Hunger Games is the first title in the series, Catching Fire the second and Mockingjay the third. The series is about a girl named Katniss who lives in the futuristic country of Panem.

The author’s inspiration for this series is rooted in Greek mythology and ancient Roman history.

”In keeping with my classical roots, I send my tributes into an updated version of the Roman gladiator games, which entails a ruthless government forcing people to fight to the death as popular entertainment. The world of Panem, particularly in the Capitol, is loaded with Roman references. Panem itself comes from the expression “Panem et Circenes,” which translates to “Bread and Circuses.”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEmJJIl7rp0&list=PLC94B8E72D765201B

The audiences for both the Roman games and reality TV are almost characters in themselves. They can respond with great enthusiasm or play a role in your elimination.

The audiences for both the Roman games and reality TV are almost characters in themselves. They can respond with great enthusiasm or play a role in your elimination.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUTPQCYVZEQ&list=PLC94B8E72D765201B

The Hunger Games series is considered dystopian fiction, a type of fiction that features a world in which people live in miserable conditions and that often involves war, oppression, violence, suffering, lack of freedom, and poverty.

***STOP*** In small groups, name as many examples as possible to describe the above concepts in our current society.

Though these issues are tough, Ms. Collins thinks many young adults are able to handle the concepts presented in her books. Her hope is that readers will come away from The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay with “questions about how the elements of the book relate to their own lives—and, if they’re disturbing, what they will do about them.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtLR-THbnHk&list=PLC94B8E72D765201B

The novel takes place in North America after a long string of natural disasters. Encroaching ocean tides have changed the face of the continent, and wars have led to political restructuring of the region. Where once there were Mexico, the United States, and Canada, now there is a new country called Panem.

The ruling elite of Panem live luxuriously in the Capitol, a city west of the Rocky Mountains, while Panem’s other inhabitants struggle to exist in the Capitol’s thirteen surrounding districts. Citizens in Districts 1 through 12 live in service to the Capitol, and those in District 13 are believed to have been wiped out, because they rebelled against Panem’s government.

Life in the districts is focused purely on survival. Each district has a specific industry that makes it useful to the Capitol, and the livelihood of the district’s people depends on their ability to work in that industry. Citizens have little knowledge of what goes on in neighboring districts, and cruelly enforced laws ensure their dependence on the Capitol for food and supplies.

The Hunger Games is the story of Katniss, a sixteen-year-old girl who lives in District 12. In this district, once called Appalachia and now nicknamed “The Seam,” coal mining is the industry.

However, Katniss makes her living as an outlaw. She provides for her family by hunting wild game outside district boundaries and selling it on the Black Market, know as “The Hob,” that is, until she’s caught up in the Capitol’s most insidious strategy for terrorizing the districts.

Every year, the Capitol forces districts to participate in a televised event called The Hunger Games.

The Games commemorate the Dark Days, a period of rebellion that ended with the destruction of District 13. They celebrate the Capitol’s complete control over the districts, and they continue a punishment that has been passed down for seventy-four years. Each district must provide two tributes, one boy and one girl, to fight to the death in an arena match. Out of twenty-four tributes, only one survives.

A symbol is an object that represents, stands for, or suggests an idea, visual image, belief, action, or material entity.

Symbols take the form of words, sounds, gestures, or visual images and are used to convey ideas

and beliefs.  Symbolism is the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them meanings that are different from their literal sense.

Symbols do shift their meanings depending on the context they are used in. “A chain”, for example, may stand for “union” as well as “imprisonment”. Symbolic meanings of an object or an action are understood by when, where and how they are used.

Oranges Miss America Fire Costumes Mockingjay * * * *

Motif is an object or idea that repeats itself throughout a literary work.

In a literary work, a motif can be seen as an image, sound, action or other figures that have a symbolic significance and contributes toward the development of theme. Motif and theme are linked in a literary work but there is a difference between them.

In a literary piece, a motif is a recurrent image, idea or a symbol that develops or explains a theme while a theme is a central idea or message.

An allusion is figure of speech that makes reference to a concept, person, thing, or event.

The allusion is often indirect and can come from any number of sources such as literature, history, religion, myths and legends, or popular culture.

When an author or speaker alludes to something, he or she assumes that the reader or listener will recognize the reference and will be familiar with the source.

1. Classical (Greek/Latin culture and mythology) Example: “I thought the software would be useful, but it was a Trojan

Horse.”

2. Biblical (from the Bible)Example: “This place is like a Garden of Eden.”

3. Literary (from literature)Example: “I was surprised his nose was not growing like Pinocchio’s.”

4. Historical (major historical events)Example” “I stand of the fifth amendment.”

5. Cultural (pop culture, real-life people, events, or concepts)Example: “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.”

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTDS: an anxiety problem that develops in some people after extremely traumatic events, such as combat, crime, an accident or natural disaster.

Oranges: http://bigislandweekly.com/sections/gift-guide/oranges-christmas-stockings-and-other-fun-holiday-traditions.html

Miss America: http://www.missamerica.org/our-miss-americas/miss-america-history.aspx

Capitalism: an economic system in which trade, industry and the means of production are controlled by private owner's with the goal of making profits in a market economy.

Dictatorship: A government controlled by one person, or a small group of people. In this form of government the power rests entirely on the person or group of people, and can be obtained by force or by inheritance. The dictator may also take away much of its peoples' freedom.

Totalitarianism: a term used to describe a political system in which the state holds total authority over the society and seeks to control all aspects of public and private life wherever possible.

Power – Who has the power?

Versions of Reality – What is the truth?

Class and Society - divisions

Appearances and Perceptions – Who can you trust?

Oppression and Rebellion -

District One – diamonds and luxury District Two – weaponry District Three – electronics and technology District Four – the ocean and seafood District Five – genetic research District Six – drugs (morphling) and development District Seven – lumber District Eight – textiles and factories District Nine – tesserae and food for the Capitol District Ten – livestock District Eleven – grains District Twelve – coal District Thirteen – nuclear power (doesn’t exist

anymore)

Assignments: Map of Panem (anticipation guide) Map of District 12 (after Chapter 3) Character Charts (after chapters 5 & 15) Two Literary Paragraphs (Chapters 11, 15 and/or 23) Theme (during the novel after Chapters 9, 18, and 27)

Creative Project (complete 2 of 3 choices): Character Collage, Theme Collage OR Mutation.

Quizzes: Introduction Notes, Parts One, Two & Three

Final Unit Test

1. Why does Buttercup hate Katniss?

2. Why is District 12 surrounded by fences?

3. How is Katniss' mother different from other residents of the Seam?

4. Why don't Gale and Katniss run away and live in the woods?

5. What is the Hob?

6. Describe the Reaping system. How is it unfair?

7. How many Reaping entries will Katniss have in her 16th year?

8. What are the Hunger Games?

1. Would you like to live in District 12? Explain.

2. How is Panem an "oppressive"

country? 3. Do you think there are places like

Panem on earth today?

1. How does Katniss save Prim from the Reaping?

2. How did Kat's mother react to her husband's death?

3. Describe Kat's only previous encounter with Peeta Mellark.

1. Do you think Katniss' anger towards her mother is justified?

2. How might Katniss' only previous encounter with Peeta affect her during the games?

1. How does Kat feel about her chances of winning? Why?

2. Who visits Katniss and what gifts do they bring her? (hint: there are four)

3. What is a mockingjay?

4. What role will Haymitch play in the Games?

1. What do you think Gale wanted Katniss to remember? Do you think they might be more than "just friends"?

Create a map of District 12 – On your own or with a partner, create a map that is neatly draw and labeled. Use page 4 of the novel as a starting guide.

The map must include, but is not limited to, the following: The Seam The Hob Fencing The Woods The Meadow Katniss’ House

1. Why does Kat decide to stay away from Peeta as much as possible?

2. How do Peeta and Katniss gain Haymitch's support?

1. Why do think Haymitch drinks so much? Why has he let himself go?

2. What is PTSD and how can the reader see that it already has an affect on some of the characters?

1. What is surprising about Cinna, Kat's stylist?

2. Describe Kat's Tribute costume.

3. How does the crowd respond to Katniss and Peeta during their grand entrance? What makes them so special?

4. How are the people of the Capitol different from those who live in the districts? Why do think they are different?

Fill in all 10 of the blanks in the Character Chart:

Add trait, description and quote (including page #) for 5of the important characters so far.

Trait should be a word used to describe their personality.

Descriptions should include physical appearance, biographical details, and personality.

Quotes should clearly demonstrate an aspect of the character’s personality. The quote can be something the character says or does OR something the narrator (Katniss) tells the reader about the character.

Character – Effie Trinket

Trait – Fake

Description – pink hair (wig), scary white grin

Quotation & page # - “She goes on a bit about what an honour it is to be here, although everyone knows she’s just asking to get bumped up to a better district where they have proper victor’s, not drunks who molest you in front of the entire nation.” page 20

Prediction/Significance – I think she’ll get fired from her position for being unrealistic about her expectations for the tributes from District 12.

1. From where does Kat recognize the girl with red hair?

2. Why is Kat ashamed of not helping the boy and girl who were being chased by the Capitol hovercraft?

3. How is her current situation similar?

4. Why do Kat and Peeta decide to talk on the roof?

1. What is Haymitch's training strategy for Katniss and Peeta?

2. What are "Career Tributes"?

3. How does Kat make a unique impression on the Gamemakers?

4. What do you think Peeta meant when he said, "She has no idea. The effect she can have"?

1. What do the scores the Gamemakers give the Tributes mean?

2. What is Kat's greatest fear after her private session with the Gamemakers?

3. Why are Kat and Gale an effective hunting team?

4. What do Kat's fears reveal about her personality?

1. How does Kat initially feel about Peeta's request to train separately? What does this reveal about her?

2. What advice does Cinna give Katniss for her interview?

3. What does Rue say will be her greatest strength in the arena?

4. What secret does Peeta reveal at the end of his interview?

1. Break into groups of no less than 2 and no more than 3.

2. Each group will be given a variety of quotes and using the 5 central themes we discussed as we went throughout Part One of the novel, the task will be to discuss each one and come to a conclusion about which theme it best suits.

3. Use five pieces of construction paper, label

each one with a theme and after debating where each on fits, paste the quotes to the paper.

1. How does Katniss react to Peeta's declaration of love?

2. What does Peeta mean when he says "I want to die as myself"?

3. What is injected under Kat's skin before the Games? Why?

1. Is Peeta's crush real, or is it just part of his strategy?

2. What do you think is the

importance of the gold pin Madge gave to Katniss? Will it help her in some way? What does it represent or symbolize?

1. What is the "Cornucopia"? Why is it important?

2. What does Kat take from the Cornucopia?

3. What happens to the girl who lights a fire for warmth near Kat's hiding place?

4. What big surprise does Kat get at the end of Chapter 11?

1. Is it savage to watch people kill each other on television? What does the popularity of the Hunger Games say about the people who watch it?

2. Compare the Games to our reality television today. Are there some similarities? What does the popularity of some reality television shows say about our society?

3. Why do you think Peeta joined the Career

Tributes?

1. How are the Career Tributes using Peeta?

2. How is dehydration affecting Katniss?

1. What wakes Katniss up?

2. Why do the Gamemakers want to chase the Tributes from their hiding places?

3. How does Katniss escape the Careers when they find her resting in the pond?

1. What are tracker jackers?

2. Why do you think Rue helps Katniss?

3. How does Katniss escape the Tributes waiting for her beneath the tree?

4. Why do you think Peeta saved Katniss?

5. What does Kat realize right before she passes out?

1. What did Kat get from Glimmer's body?

2. Why does Kat want Rue for an ally?

3. What is the punishment for eating crops in District 11?

1. The punishment for eating crops in District 11 is public whipping. Is this fair? Can you think of any punishments in our society that are unduly harsh?

Fill in all 10 of the blanks in the Character Chart:

Add trait, description and quote (including page #) for 3 of the important characters so far.

Trait should be a word used to describe their personality.

Descriptions should include physical appearance, biographical details, and personality.

Quotes should clearly demonstrate an aspect of the character’s personality or physical appearance. The quote can be something the character says or does OR something the narrator (Katniss) tells the reader about the character.

1. How does Katniss plan to strike at the Careers?

2. How are the Careers' supplies protected?

3. How does Katniss trigger the trap?

Rue loves music more than anything else. Why do you think music is so important to humans in general?

1. What happens to the boy from District 3?

2. What does Kat mean by a "hollow day"? Have you ever had a hollow day?

1. What does Kat do for Rue as a sign of protest against the Capitol?

2. What is she protesting? Why won't it be shown much on television?

3. What sponsor gift does Kat receive? Who is it from?

4. What important rule change is announced in Chapter Eighteen?

5. Why do the Gamemakers change the rules?

1. Break into groups of no less than 2 and no more than 3.

2. Each group will be given a variety of quotes and using the 5 central themes we discussed as we went throughout Part One of the novel, the task will be to discuss each one and come to a conclusion about which theme it best suits.

3. Use five pieces of construction paper, label

each one with a theme and after debating where each on fits, paste the quotes to the paper.

1. How has Peeta managed to stay safe since his fight with Cato?

2. Describe Peeta's injuries.

3. How does Kat stop Peeta from talking about his potential death?

1. What condition threatens Peeta's life?

2. Where did Katniss really get the money for Prim's goat?

3. What can Katniss get at the feast?

4. How does Haymitch help Katniss get to the feast?

5. Was it right to drug Peeta? Would you have done if you were in Kat's position?

1. What clever strategy does Foxface employ at the feast?

2. What stops Clove from killing Katniss?

3. Why doesn't Thresh kill Katniss?

1. What role does karma play in the games?

2. Do you believe karma plays a role

in real life?

1. Why is Peeta's perspective on life different from Kat's and Gale's?

2. What did Peeta's father confide to him about Kat's mother?

3. What is Haymitch "looking for" from Katniss and Peeta?

1. Katniss suggests that Peeta can't understand some things because his family isn't as poor as hers or Gale's. If this fair? Do you think it is true?

2. Why is it important to consider

things from other people's perspectives?

1. According to Peeta and Katniss, how must Haymitch have won the Games?

2. What does Katniss fear will happen if she wins?

3. How is Foxface killed?

1. When a person wins the lottery, their personality often changes. Why do think this happens? Limited to having won no more than 2 Million $.

2. Why is Katniss afraid of winning? Do you

think she might change?

3. How might you change if you won the lottery and never had to work or go to school again? Limited to having won no more than 2 Million $.

1. Why do the Gamemakers dry-up the river and ponds?

2. Why doesn't Cato attack Kat and Peeta?

1. What is chasing the Tributes?

2. Why don't the creatures kill Cato quickly once they have him overpowered?

3. How does Cato finally die?

4. What is the Gamemakers' final surprise?

5. How do Kat and Peeta outsmart the Gamemakers' last twist?

1. How does Katniss surprise herself when she sees Haymitch?

2. According to Haymitch, why is Katniss in trouble?

3. Why is Peeta upset in chapter 27?

1. Break into groups of no less than 2 and no more than 3.

2. Each group will be given a variety of quotes and using the 5 central themes we discussed as we went throughout Part One of the novel, the task will be to discuss each one and come to a conclusion about which theme it best suits.

3. Use five pieces of construction paper, label

each one with a theme and after debating where each on fits, paste the quotes to the paper.