"I need to focus now on the manner of my suicide": Suicidality and Survivability in Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games Series

Abstract

This thesis examines what the representations of suicidality and survivability in Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games series (2008-2010), tell us about one of the core elements of the human experience: whether to live or to die. Through examining the factors and situations that determine the characters’ suicidality and survivability, we get a better understanding of why people commit suicide as well as what motivates them to stay alive. By conducting a close reading of the trilogy and analyzing relevant passages in light of altruism, survivability and psychology, we get a nuanced and deep insight into the suicidal situations presented in the novels. Additionally, this thesis examines how and if you should use The Hunger Games novels in school as a basis for reflection on suicidality and suicide. The novels are frequently used to foster reflection in lower-secondary classrooms, but the focus on suicidality has been minimal. The main theoretical framework consists of Durkheim’s theories on altruistic suicide and Andrew Bennet’s work in literary suicidology. The Norwegian Core Curriculum from LK2020 is also relevant as it explicitly states the importance of reading YA novels as well as the need for incorporation of themes such as mental health and emotional well-being. A lower-secondary classroom should be a safe space and using it as a space for reflection and education on suicidality and mental health could enhance their survivability.