Reaction Paper: Catching Fire

Reaction Paper: Catching Fire

Catching Fire is the second novel of the series, Hunger Games, written by Suzanne Collins. It is classified as sci-fi, action, fantasy, adventure and dystopian. According to Sterling (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2013), “Science fiction, abbreviation SF or sci-fi, is a form of fiction that deals principally with the impact of actual or imagined science upon society or individuals”. The movie or book has passed these criteria of dealing with fictional science in relation to society as it focuses mainly on the future of technology being used for games or shall I say, Battle Royale kind of games.  Furthermore, it also presents its norm as the Capitol having the authority over the 12 Districts by social and political standards, hence making the audience evaluate the possible effects of technology in relation to society.

            It reflects the society’s anomalies in the past, present and, most importantly, the future in relation to the development of technology and, possibly, politics. The present condition of the community Katniss Everdeen lives in may suggest the future of the world in itself – the rich are becoming richer, and the poor are becoming poorer. And so it seems that it is a commentary, a satirical one if I may add, to the possible outcome of advanced technology when it is improperly and savagely used. One example is the use of chemicals to alter the behaviour of the digestive system in order to vomit the recently digested food and intake other food available for consumption. Instead of giving the food to the other districts in need, they feast and devour food up to their own capacities, throw up, and then repeat the vicious cycle.

It may also represent the history of the real world as it tackles the infamous issue of racial discrimination, but in this case, ‘district’ discrimination, during the 1800s. As Collins incorporated the districts being the source of the Capitol’s production, this reminds everyone of the current situation of the third world countries as the source of the raw materials, first world countries produce.

Science, Technology and Society failed in the world of the 13 districts since it has produced in its imagined community, inequality. STS is supposed to cater to the benefit of the human race for it to improve its standards as a whole, yet this book or film promotes the destruction of its society; hence, making it unpalatable to the audience who consider STS as an advantage.  
Hesed Faith J. Marasigan
2013-15042STS-THX