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QuestionEnglish
How does Suzanne Collins incorporate both definitions of tesserae into her use of tesserae in "The Hunger Games"?
A tessera is defined as a small tile that is used in a mosaic. In ancient times, tesserae were small pieces of wood or other hard objects used as tokens or tickets.
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Step 1:: Understand the two definitions of tesserae
The first definition of tesserae refers to small tiles used in mosaics, while the second definition refers to small tokens or tickets used in ancient times.
Step 2:: Analyze the use of tesserae in "The Hunger Games"
In "The Hunger Games," Suzanne Collins uses the term tesserae to refer to slips of paper that represent a year's worth of grain and oil for one person. These slips are given to the poorest families in the districts as a form of welfare.
Step 3:: Relate the use of tesserae to the first definition
By using the term tesserae, Collins draws a parallel between the small tiles used in mosaics and the small slips of paper that represent a year's worth of food. Just as individual tiles come together to create a beautiful mosaic, the tesserae represent the coming together of small contributions to provide sustenance for a family.
Step 4:: Relate the use of tesserae to the second definition
The tesserae in "The Hunger Games" also serve as tokens or tickets for the poor families. In ancient times, tesserae were used as a form of currency or proof of identity. Similarly, in the novel, tesserae represent a family's access to food and their reliance on the welfare system.
Step 5:: Understand the significance of the tesserae in the novel
The use of tesserae in "The Hunger Games" highlights the stark contrast between the wealthy Capitol and the impoverished districts. By requiring families to exchange tesserae for food, the Capitol maintains control over the districts and perpetuates a cycle of poverty. The tesserae also serve as a symbol of the oppression faced by the citizens of the districts and their struggle for survival.
Final Answer
Suzanne Collins incorporates both definitions of tesserae into her use of tesserae in "The Hunger Games." By using the term to refer to slips of paper that represent food, she draws a parallel to the small tiles used in mosaics and the tokens or tickets used in ancient times. The tesserae serve as a symbol of the oppression faced by the citizens of the districts and the cycle of poverty perpetuated by the Capitol.
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