IN WHAT WAYS DOES KATNISS EVERDEEN CHALLENGE OR CONFIRM...

The question of whether Katniss Everdeen, of The Hunger Games, confirms or challenges the idea of an archetypal hero is one debated worldwide. Throughout the novel, written by Suzanne Collins, Katniss demonstrates qualities and undertakes actions which are, without a doubt, heroic. However, whether or not this makes her a hero is dependent upon who you are asking; many characters in the novel would have very different ideas as to what a hero is. Also, although Katniss may come off as a hero many times in the book, she also challenges that title in countless instances with less-than-heroic actions and thoughts. So is Katniss Everdeen a hero? Through her actions, thoughts and personality, Katniss both confirms and challenges the idea of a†¦show more content†¦For example, President Snows opinion on heroism would be very different to the likes of Gales. President Snow, the megalomaniacal and cruel ruler of the Capitol, would think a hero to be a follower; a mere sheep, someone who does Snows bidding and doesnt question the tyrannical rule of which they live under. Snows hero would find honour and sacrifice in the hunger games, would play the game with pride; Gales hero would be almost the polar opposite, Gales hero would be a rebel; someone to fight the Capitols oppression or the districts, a symbol of equality and justice. And in all of this, does Katniss stand? She doesnt conform fully to either of these conceptions of a hero; she is, as some would say, sitting on the fence. In a way, Katniss is President Snows hero, as she plays the game; she builds for herself a hunger games identity, and she kills other contestants- she does what is almost mandatory to survive in the games. In another way, Katniss rebels against the games, and it is in these moments that Katniss is Gales idea of a hero. She defies the games by giving Rue a dignified and proper burial- she refuses to let Rue die as cattle, and in doing so exhibits the heroic and rebellious qualities t hat Gales hero would possess. Katniss Everdeen doesnt fully conform to anybodys idea of a hero. Many would argue, however, that she very much confirms the idea of a archetypal hero; yet a lot of people would