I never noticed the absence of other countries. That is odd, to be sure - but not *so* odd, since this story is set so far after the global warming blowup. We simply don't know enough about their situation, what they knew bout the situation, or indeed what they do. It's possible Katniss simply didn't know about their involvement. We just don't know. (As I said, I was a bit swept away by the story, and I'm looking forward to reread it so I can catch stuff like this.)
As for the parents' willingness to sacrifice their children, I think there is an answer there. The kids are separated out from everyone before the reaping, after which point it's not a real possibility to get away. Before then, there's only a statistically small chance your kid will be called up - but definite and heavy consequence if the kid doesn't attend. Add to that the lack of weapons, the ruthless laws, the past history of obliterating Thirteen, and the fact very few could survive without wages from government industries, and the lack of information about what's going on in other districts. I hate the concept of the games, but I can also see how people would acquiesce.
I'm not sure every post will be philosophy though that does come most naturally to me, so it's a possibility. Personally I think the books are a very provoking metaphor if nothing else, and I think these scenes are worth discussing at that level. I do hope you enjoy some of them but also understand if it's not your thing, so I won't be offended if you choose not to read this stuff.
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branchandroot
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Date: 2012-09-21 11:51 pm (UTC)As for the parents' willingness to sacrifice their children, I think there is an answer there. The kids are separated out from everyone before the reaping, after which point it's not a real possibility to get away. Before then, there's only a statistically small chance your kid will be called up - but definite and heavy consequence if the kid doesn't attend. Add to that the lack of weapons, the ruthless laws, the past history of obliterating Thirteen, and the fact very few could survive without wages from government industries, and the lack of information about what's going on in other districts. I hate the concept of the games, but I can also see how people would acquiesce.
I'm not sure every post will be philosophy though that does come most naturally to me, so it's a possibility. Personally I think the books are a very provoking metaphor if nothing else, and I think these scenes are worth discussing at that level. I do hope you enjoy some of them but also understand if it's not your thing, so I won't be offended if you choose not to read this stuff.