Katniss and the Monomyth: Constructing Gender Identity in the Hunger Games

Author

Hilary Montgomery

Date of Graduation

Fall 2012

Degree

Master of Arts in English

Department

English

Committee Chair

Judith John

Abstract

Joseph Campbell's theory of the heroic cycle as having three phases is comprehensive. The only aspect he neglects is the difference between the traditional hero and the female hero. While critics such as Pearson and Pope have examined the female hero, they seem to apply this term too broadly thus making it unclear what makes a female hero. This thesis will specifically examine Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games. Additionally, it will look at the role gender plays in the female hero's journey and how it is different from the traditional male journey. I found that these differences are vast and should be incorporated into the study of the monomyth.

Keywords

Joseph Campbell, female hero, the Hunger Games, feminism, monomyth

Subject Categories

English Language and Literature

Copyright

© Hilary Montgomery

Recommended Citation

Montgomery, Hilary, "Katniss and the Monomyth: Constructing Gender Identity in the Hunger Games" (2012). MSU Graduate Theses. 1125.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/1125