Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Cultural Icons


 Almost thirty-five years ago, my husband and I were captivated by the first of the Star Wars movies, now called Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.

Princess Leia Organa, one of the main protagonists in the original Star Wars trilogy, is capable, strong, has a dry sense of humor, and doesn't back off from challenges. She trained as a Jedi warrior and fights with the Rebel Alliance to defeat the evil Galactic Empire.

Yesterday, my daughter and I went to see the film version of The Hunger Games. Both of us had read Collins' trilogy, and agreed that the screen adaptation was reasonably faithful to the original book.

Hunger Games' Katniss Everdeen hunts to provide food for her family.  When she voluntarily takes her younger sister's place as the female Tribute from District 12, Katniss' skill with a bow might be her only chance to survive the games. Despite the savage nature of the competition, Katniss remains compassionate; she will ultimately become a symbol for inhabitants of all the districts, as they fight to free themselves from the oppressive rule of the distant, corrupt Capitol. 

In 1977, I was pregnant with Ellen; she is now days away from giving birth to our granddaughter. Like all mothers, we dreamed of the children we would bear: intelligent, strong, caring daughters...someone like Leia or Katniss (and, yes, sons like Luke Skywalker or Peeta Mellark).

The baby got quite active during the climactic scenes of The Hunger Games. I'm going to take that as a good sign.




"Digital Painting: Princess Leia" by sk art
"The Hunger Games" by film_poster

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