DOOMED LOVE
Sixth: Question / Conclusion
Explain your question as well as what your group concluded on the topic.
Question: What does the use of the Star-Crossed Lovers archetype add to the novel?
Answer: Doomed love sells both to the fictional audience of Panem and to the real readers. The commodification of love is another aspect of the dystopian nightmare. Romantic love is a deeply personal experience but Peeta and Katniss must make that experience public in order to sell themselves to the Capitol. All their relationships (family, friends, loves) are in essence owned by the Capitol. The subjugated citizens of the Districts are so oppressed that they are not even free to love. By making their romance into a "showmance," Katniss and Peeta (but especially Katniss) must have a real-fake love and are not allowed the freedom to decide their feelings for themselves. Their inability to be honest and the doubt that comes along when they are being honest adds an extra layer of tragedy for the reader to enjoy too. Doomed love just sells!