The two women from literature I will be comparing are Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz and Katniss from The Hunger Games. Both women are strong, independent characters. They are not the typical characters I read from young adult book series. I do admit that I am more attracted to learning about Katniss’ character more than Dorothy’s. Dorothy, as young and witty as she may be, is a bit too immature and selfish for my amusement. Katniss desires nothing more than to survive and provide. Her motions are very instinctual. Dorothy makes hasty, thoughtless decisions. The differences in their makeup as characters do not detract from the fact that they are both forced into a similar situation.
The two women are both set out on a path they did not choose to an unknown ending. Dorothy may never make it back home to Kansas and Katniss may not make it through the Hunger Games alive. I also find it interesting that both of these young women aren’t driven by something as silly and emotional, like most young adult series. For instance, in other books like the Twilight Series and Harry Potter, the female leads focus more on romance than defining their own independence.
Katniss is a bit older than Dorothy, but Dorothy can definitely handle the challenges set in her path. Katniss is a bit hesitant in facing complications, but I don’t think it’s because she is fearful, I believe it because she is prideful of herself and uncomfortable in the situations she is placed. Vanity is an unfamiliar thing for both Dorothy and Katniss. They are used to their simple lives in Kansas and District 12. This changes as they go forward in their journeys. They are both faced with situations that forces them to grow and see what jealousy and vanity are and how both are created and manufactured by those in a society who want you to conform to a specific archetype that pleases them.
In Oz, Dorothy learns that the Emerald City is so magnanimous because of the emerald colored glasses the town has locked on their eyes. Katniss learns that in the Capital everything is programmed by whether or not people like you and admires you. They don’t care about whether you live or die, the people of Panem care if they are entertaining enough. Everything must be shiny and bright in Panem. Both young women are not blinded by the tricks of the cities. Their goals for survival are much more important to them. Both women are fighting for their freedom.
Though these books were written over a hundred years apart, the characters of Dorothy and Katniss do have interesting similarities. Regardless of why these stories were created, I think its good for young women to read such characters and learn from them. Katniss is strong in her will and determination for survival. Dorothy is unique in her kindness and acceptance of those around her. Both characters are a positive influence on today’s youth.
tfnesbitt 