DRESSED TO KILL - Political Communication and Power through Fashion in The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Abstract

In the dystopic trilogy The Hunger Games written by Suzanne Collins, clothing and fashion is depicted in great detail. In the dictatorship of Panem, fashion has evolved into a bizarre display of wealth for the upper class while the lower classes are barely surviving, having no time or money to spend on such frivolous matters. Similarly to most dystopian literature, The Hunger Games trilogy contains distinctly political themes, while subtly critiquing aspects of contemporary society. As such, it is interesting to examine how and why clothing is depicted in such detail, bearing in mind the intersection between clothing and politics. Through the use of the semiotic communications method, paired with Barnard’s theory of the wearer, spectator, and designer this essay aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of how clothing can function as political communication in the novels.