What is it like to live here?

FROM THE BOOK: District 12 has many elements which fit inwith the key conventions of dystopian fiction. For example,the freedom of the citizens is restricted by a ‘chain-linkfence’ which surrounds the district. The government ofPanem have set out clear guidelines of where they wantcitizens to go. The ‘fence’ could also imply that the citizensare caged in like prisoners, rather than being kept fromgoing somewhere.The writer goes on to tell us that this fence is ‘topped withbarbed-wire’. This ‘barbed-wire’ reinforces the impressionthat this area is considered off limits. Furthermore, thisimplies that anyone who breaks the rules in this societyare punished severely and in painful ways, an implicationwhich is strengthened by the fact this fence is ‘electrified24 hours a day’.

How does District 12 fit in with the conventions of dystopian society?

DISTRICT 12

• What do we learn about District 12?

• What are the people like?

• What is the environment like?

• What is society like?

For example, the freedom of the citizens is restricted by a ‘chain-link fence’ which surrounds the district.

Do we have fences surrounding Europe?

The writer goes on to tell us that this fence is ‘topped with barbed-wire’. Which implication is strengthened by the fact this fence is also ‘electrified 24 hours a day’.

Do fences have razor blades?

Why do they need it in Panem?Why do we want them in Europe?

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Extension Task : How important do you think District 12 is in the

wider society of Panem?