As we look forward to November's new installment in "The Hunger Games" series and look back at the recently concluded "Twilight" series, what does the popularity of these two phenomena – both the films and the books – tell us about the teenage girl in all of us (especially in, well, teenage girls)? There is a lot to be said about the portrayal of the respective protagonists and what kind of role model they offer, which begs the more pertinent question: Who should young girls look up to: Bella or Katniss?
Looking at the universe of each series, there is particular reason why each protagonist is the way she is. "Twilight" deals with vampires and werewolves – antiquated subjects that place women in submission to men. "The Hunger Games" focuses on post-apocalyptic events, placed in a future where women are seemingly just as strong – if not stronger – than men.
It is an interesting coincidence (if you can call it that) that each series just happens to correlate with two different political eras in the recent American history. Twilight was written and released during a post-9/11-charged America, an America embedded in two wars and marked by a certain Republican presidency. On the other hand, The Hunger Games was released during a social and economic crisis marked by the election of the country's first black – Democrat – president. And each era has its own view on women's rights. And it is interesting in this case to ask: Do politics affect society, and if so, does society affect film or does film reflect society?
Concentrating on the inaugural films in the "Twilight" and "The Hunger Games" series, two distinct portrayals of women are evident. For example, Bella is consistently presented as an indecisive, weak character. Take her relationship with Edward. He is constantly saving Bella, beginning with the out-of-control van in the parking lot. He steps between her and the van and is positioned above her, to protect her – but also to show his dominance over her physically.
This happens again when Edward and the rest of his gang are playing baseball. The rogue group of vampires approaches and wants to prey on the weak, helpless fawn that is Bella. Quickly, she is surrounded, protected by Edward and the others. This metaphor can be seen in the very first images of the film, where a deer is literally being chased through the woods by vampires. Bella is the weak, inferior deer to the vampires.
This portrait of Bella's weakness is not limited to her relationship with Edward. Her father, Charlie, also establishes a reputation as protector. When Bella brings Edward home for the first time, he is seated at the table cleaning his gun, planning on protecting Bella from a boy, as if Bella were not intelligent enough to make her own decisions about men. This scene is an attempt at humor by director Catherine Hardwicke, confusing fatherly love with repression.
The representation of women, specifically Bella, in "Twilight" can be contrasted with Katniss in "The Hunger Games." Katniss is in fact a very selfless, strong character, not only in comparison to other women, but to men as well. When we first meet her, she sneaks across the border fences, defying the establishment that is the Capitol, to hunt and provide for her mother and sister. In metaphorical contrast to "Twilight," Katniss is the hunter of the deer – instead of the hunted. When Gale thwarts her attempt at the fawn, she redeems herself by snatching a bird, showing that she will succeed no matter what masculine interference.
When involved in "The Hunger Games," Katniss saves Peeta on two different occasions. When he has been injured by the other tributes, she uses her intelligence and archery skill to get him the appropriate medication. And in the final battle scene she saves Peeta again with the bow, taking down her opponent. To finally win the games and save her friend (and possible lover), she conceives the idea to eat the berries, inadvertently sticking it to the man.
In the words of President Snow in "The Hunger Games," "Hope, it is the only thing stronger than fear." Fear of the unknown runs throughout both "Twilight" and "The Hunger Games." But one of the series has women hiding from fear, while the other has strong women conquering fear and accomplishing great things. The former concept of vampires is antiquated even in this modernized portrayal, so let's just hope that the latter trend of strong female characters continues.
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