Shedding a Persona; Coriolanus Snow’s Descent into Madness during A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Abstract

This thesis delves into the intricate narrative of Suzanne Collins’ 2020 novel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and examines the portrayal of natural elements, specifically potatoes and roses, in shaping the protagonist’s Bildungsroman journey and eventual degeneration into madness. Understanding the representation of natural elements in literature, especially within the context of popular media, is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it sheds light on how contemporary authors utilise traditional literary tools to craft complex narratives. Secondly, it underscores the significance of modern authors in shaping literary discourse, and contributing to the evolution of literary genres. Finally, it offers insight into broader societal themes and environmental concerns, providing a lens through which to analyse contemporary issues. There remains a gap in the research regarding the nuanced portrayal of natural elements and their symbolic significance in the modern Bildungsroman protagonist's character development. Previous analyses have often overlooked these elements or failed to explore them in depth, leaving room for a more comprehensive investigation. This thesis aims to address this gap by answering the research question: How does The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes employ wild growing versus cultured natural elements to represent the protagonist's journey towards mental degeneration, in an ironic twist of the Bildungsroman protagonist journey? The research employs a qualitative approach, analysing key scenes involving potatoes and roses to elucidate their symbolic significance. The thesis argues that Collins' adept use of these natural elements serves as a metaphor for the protagonist's internal turmoil and societal pressures, ultimately leading to his descent into madness.

This thesis delves into the intricate narrative of Suzanne Collins’ 2020 novel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and examines the portrayal of natural elements, specifically potatoes and roses, in shaping the protagonist’s Bildungsroman journey and eventual degeneration into madness. Understanding the representation of natural elements in literature, especially within the context of popular media, is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it sheds light on how contemporary authors utilise traditional literary tools to craft complex narratives. Secondly, it underscores the significance of modern authors in shaping literary discourse, and contributing to the evolution of literary genres. Finally, it offers insight into broader societal themes and environmental concerns, providing a lens through which to analyse contemporary issues. There remains a gap in the research regarding the nuanced portrayal of natural elements and their symbolic significance in the modern Bildungsroman protagonist's character development. Previous analyses have often overlooked these elements or failed to explore them in depth, leaving room for a more comprehensive investigation. This thesis aims to address this gap by answering the research question: How does The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes employ wild growing versus cultured natural elements to represent the protagonist's journey towards mental degeneration, in an ironic twist of the Bildungsroman protagonist journey? The research employs a qualitative approach, analysing key scenes involving potatoes and roses to elucidate their symbolic significance. The thesis argues that Collins' adept use of these natural elements serves as a metaphor for the protagonist's internal turmoil and societal pressures, ultimately leading to his descent into madness.