One recent work of contemporary fiction that made an impact on screen for me personally is The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins. I enjoyed the book for its deep character study of Coriolanus Snow and its subtle commentary on power, control, and performance. The film adaptation stayed mostly true to the source material, but it felt more fast-paced and slightly less introspective. The book’s slow unraveling of Snow’s moral decay and inner conflict was more immersive, while the movie focused more on the spectacle and external conflict. I appreciated the film's performances and lyrical soundtrack design (especially Rachel Zegler's performance) but I found myself missing some of the background stories that made the novel so good.
Different mediums prioritize different storytelling elements. I agree with the idea that adaptations have to make hard choices to appeal to broad audiences, but I disagreed with the notion that something is always “lost” in the process. Sometimes, film can add new dimensions to a story through visual storytelling, casting, and score. For example, the original Hunger Games movie was a perfect movie to screen translation.
When it comes to genre, Africanfuturism has really showed up in recent pop culture. Black Panther is the perfect example of how Africanfuturist stories thrive on screen. The visuals, costume design, and technology rooted in African culture created an immersive, futuristic world that felt both magical and historical. The Mufasa movie on Disney+ also taps into Africanfuturist themes by reimagining an African-inspired legacy through powerful visual landscapes that bring the wilds of Africa to life. These films show how Africanfuturism can be both a celebration of heritage and an imaginative leap forward in storytelling.
If I could only choose two mediums as my go-to for escape, I’d choose books and TV series. Books offer depth, introspection, and a slow burn of discovery, perfect for genres like magical realism or character-driven stories. TV Series, on the other hand, are great for genres like fantasy and supernatural fiction where worldbuilding can be enhanced by visual and auditory elements. I'm not too much of a movie buff, but I have a ton of TV and book series that are my comfort media.
For TV Series: The 100, Anne with an E; Parks and Rec; Avatar: the Last Airbender; Game of Thrones (ignoring the last season); & The Shannara Chronicles
For Books: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins; Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas; Harry Potter by JK Rowling; Firebringer by David Clement Davies; The Legend of Holly Claus by Brittney Ryan; & Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Poems and Songbirds: A Look into Symbolism in Popular YA Titles of the 2000s
In literature, themes of love and power often play a significant role in shaping characters, plotlines, and inter-character relationships. Two novels that explore these themes in both similar and polarizing ways are Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins. In both stories, characters manipulate love, influence, and power in unusual ways, which is fundamental to how the plot grows. The relationships between characters and the symbols representing power (whether for protection or control) are central to each narrative. Each author uses literary devices, such as symbolism and poetry, to illustrate the interplay of love, control, and power in their stories. This essay will compare how these elements contribute to the popularity of young adult literature.
One of the key literary devices employed in both novels is symbolism, particularly through the recurring image of birds. In Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, birds symbolize protection. For instance, Miss Peregrine is represented by a peregrine falcon, embodying a guardian role when she transforms into the bird. She serves as a “mother bird” to the peculiar children, guiding and protecting them, especially Jacob, who she mentors. The bird symbolism reflects the protective nature of love, with Miss Peregrine using her powers to shield the children from harm. However, her role can also be interpreted as controlling, as she is an ymbryne (a guardian with special powers), tasked with overseeing their safety. Riggs also links birds to the concept of time, stating that “only birds can manipulate time” (Riggs 154). This grants birds the ability to control the time loops that protect characters like Jacob, giving them an enduring presence throughout the series protecting children with this control in the name of love.
In The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, birds are similarly symbolic, but they take on a different meaning. Lucy Gray, a central character, is strongly associated with songbirds, particularly the Mockingjay. The songbird represents her voice, which she uses to charm and control those around her, often singing her way out of perilous situations. In the novel's closing chapter, Snow reflects, “She could fly around District 12 all she liked, but she and her Mockingjay’s could never harm him again” (Collins 517). Snow believes he has been entranced and controlled by Lucy Gray’s voice, almost leading him down a path that would forsake his family name. Her songs and ballads continue to haunt him, even years later, as the songs are passed down generation by generation. The songbird also symbolizes Lucy’s charm and freedom, as she was never truly part of Panem, Snow’s world. Instead, she belonged to the Covey, a group of singers from the outlying areas, originally beyond Panem’s reach and control. These contrasting bird symbols highlight how Snow attempts to cage Lucy Gray, like a songbird, in his quest to consolidate his control and power in Panem. And by caging Lucy Gray, he loses her.
Both novels use symbolism to explore unusual ways birds represent love, control, and power. In Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, birds symbolize protection and care, whereas in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, birds take on a meaning of freedom and escape from a horrific regime. Both bird symbols also feature powerful female characters whose influence is felt throughout the storyline, even long after they’ve been killed or kidnapped.
Riggs and Collins also incorporate poetry to enhance the emotional depth of their stories. Poetry is utilized differently in each book. In The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, poetry foreshadows Lucy Gray’s lasting haunting of the narrative while continuing the symbolism of the Mockingjay. In contrast, in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, poetry serves a more reflective role, guiding Jacob and connecting him to his destiny.
In The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, poetry plays a crucial role in revealing the inner conflicts of the characters, particularly Snow. References to poets like William Wordsworth, as well as poems transformed into ballads within the world of Panem, help shape the characters’ identities. For instance, Lucy Gray’s name is given from a William Wordsworth poem about a girl who haunts a forest. Here is an excerpt from the poem:
That you may see sweet Lucy Gray
Upon the lonesome wild.
O’er rough and smooth she trips along,
And never looks behind;
And sings a solitary song
That whistles in the wind.
(Routledge)
This poem serves as a reflection of Lucy Gray’s role in the series, as she continues to impact on the story through the symbology of the Mockingjay, a bird that represents resistance through the whole series. Snow is haunted by Lucy’s memory, revealing how much control he tried to impose on her life, only to be unable to forget her when Lucy Gray’s descendant’s are forever selected by an invisible string to play in Snow’s controlling and performative Hunger Games.
In Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, poetry also plays a significant role. Ralph Waldo Emerson’s works help drive the plot forward. For example, Jacob’s grandfather instructs him to find a letter related to Emerson’s writings, which sparks Jacob’s journey. The poetry connects Jacob to his destiny, even though he initially fails to grasp its importance. Dr. Golan, another character, uses the letter and poetry as a tool to manipulate Jacob, leading him to Miss Peregrine and the peculiar children (Riggs 59).
Both novels are also shaped by historical events, which are reflected in their themes. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is partially set during World War II, with the peculiar children symbolizing marginalized groups, such as Jews during the Holocaust. Miss Peregrine’s role as a protector mirrors the efforts of those who risked their lives to safeguard vulnerable individuals during this dark period. The "hollowghasts" in the story serve as representations of the Nazi regime, adding a historical layer to the narrative of Jacob trying to find a place where he is accepted and belongs (Zarzycka).
In a similar vein, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes draws inspiration from the emergence of authoritarian regimes, especially in the post-World War II era. This is a time that also aligns with the backdrop of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. Snow’s ascent during the Capitol’s vulnerable period after the Dark Days, when rebellion nearly toppled their rule, illustrates his relentless pursuit of dominance and authority over the districts. This trajectory closely resembles the strategies employed by dictatorships like Nazi Germany, where fear and propaganda were tools of control (United States Holocaust Memorial Museum). The importance of rebellion in these stories is echoed in contemporary movements. For example, protestors in Myanmar adopted the symbolic three-finger salute in the series to express defiance against the military régime. This uprising in Southeast Asia highlights how acts of resistance portrayed in fiction can inspire real-life activism (Lam). The lasting power of these symbols, rooted in dystopian literature, reveals a shared human yearning for liberty and justice, reinforcing how characters like Katniss and Jacob continue to motivate global struggles for freedom and equality.
Both Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes explore themes of love and control through carefully employed literary devices that encourage readers to think critically and uncover deeper meanings within the narrative. Each author demonstrates how power can serve as both a protective force and a tool of manipulation, shaping the characters’ journeys and the overall plot. The historical context interwoven into both novels enhances their impact, and the thematic complexity structured like a mosaic of underlying themes contributes to their lasting appeal in the young adult genre. With the recent release of Sunrise on the Reaping, Collins continues to educate and engage young adult readers, illustrating the dangers of authoritarianism and the insidious nature of propaganda. Her use of recurring symbols and ideas mirrors the motifs found in Riggs’s work, reinforcing their shared messages. These stories are poised to inspire and resonate with readers for generations to come.
Works Cited
Collins, Suzanne. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Scholastic Press, 2020.
Lam, Tammy. "How The Hunger Games Transcends Make-Believe." The Science Survey, 2 Mar. 2024.
Mirra, R. "What Are Literary Devices? Explanation with Examples." Notion Press, 16 Dec. 2022, https://notionpress.com/blog/what-are-literary-devices-explanation-with-examples/.
Riggs, Ransom. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. Quirk Books, 2011.
Routledge, C. "Featured Poem: 'Lucy Gray' by William Wordsworth." The Reader, 14 Apr. 2008, https://www.thereader.org.uk/featured-poem-lucy-gray-by-william-wordsworth/. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. State of Deception: The Power of Nazi Propaganda. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, 2009, https://exhibitions.ushmm.org/propaganda/home/state-of-deception-the-power-of-nazi-propaganda.
Zarzycka, A. "The Gothification of World War II as a Source of Cultural Self-Reflection in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and Hollow City." War Gothic in Literature and Culture, edited by Katarzyna Więckowska and Agnieszka Soltysik Monnet, Palgrave Macmillan, 2016, pp. 229–245.
Book adaptations can be done incredibly well when they strike the right balance between staying true to the source material and using the tools of Hollywood to tell the story effectively. As Lindsay Ellis explains in “When the Book Is Better Than the Movie,” a movie adaptation is a form of translation of book. So film communicates through visuals, acting, music, and editing. These are tools that are vastly different from a book’s internal narration and detailed prose. That’s why I believe TV series often make the most effective adaptations—they allow more time to explore complex plots and character development that books are known for.
One of my favorite and, in my opinion, most faithful movie adaptations is The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005). This film beautifully captures the essence and spirit of C.S. Lewis’s beloved novel, staying remarkably true to its source material while also making the most of what cinema can offer. The world-building is immersive and detailed, bringing the magical land of Narnia to life with stunning visuals that enhance the storytelling without overwhelming it. The character development is thoughtfully handled—each of the Pevensie siblings undergoes a meaningful arc that reflects the novel’s deeper moral and spiritual themes. What also stands out is the careful use of cinematic tools, such as the sweeping musical score, rich production design, and well-crafted special effects, all of which contribute to a sense of wonder and emotional depth. For me, this adaptation stands at the top of the list, with The Hunger Games following closely behind for its strong performances, smart pacing, and compelling translation of dystopian worlds from page to screen.
For me, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011) often felt like a rushed and overly dramatized adaptation of the book’s emotional and thematically rich conclusion. While the novel's final chapters are reflective, intimate, and layered with the weight of seven volumes of character development and moral complexity, the film frequently opted for high-stakes spectacle over emotional resonance. Most notably, the climactic confrontation between Harry and Voldemort was transformed into an intense, visually driven battle sequence. Rather than the calm and public unmasking of Voldemort that emphasized truth, justice, and legacy, the film chose to isolate the duel and heighten it with visual effects and action beats, which ultimately diluted the emotional impact.
Several important supporting elements were also either downplayed or omitted entirely. Characters such as Harry’s deceased parents, who provide him with guidance and emotional strength in key moments of the book, were given minimal presence. The absence or re-arrangement of these emotionally grounded scenes reduced the film’s ability to communicate the deep, generational themes of love, sacrifice, and memory that are central to the narrative. As a fan of these themes in particular, I was left sorely disappointed.
Film critic Lindsay Ellis’s concept of paratext (the set of expectations and prior knowledge that viewers bring with them into a film) helps explain why many longtime fans felt a sense of emotional disconnection. For readers who had grown up with the series, the conclusion was not just about the defeat of evil, but also about personal closure, reconciliation, and the consequences of choice. The film, while visually stunning and fast-paced, struggled to reflect the moral gravity and internal resolution that the books so carefully built toward. In the end, the adaptation prioritized cinematic drama over the quieter truths that had always defined Harry’s journey, leaving me feeling unsatisfied with how the story was brought to a close.
As Ellis also points out, books allow the reader to be the “director” of their own mental movie. When a film steps in, it can feel like a third party stranger is reshaping a story that was personal, especially if a person become greatly attached to the characters or story. This is especially noticeable when adaptations remove inner monologues, compress plotlines, or change the tone. Good adaptations preserve the heart of the story, while weaker ones lose it in translation either for blockbuster reasons...or other perspectives of the story. I think of fanfic as a subsection of this, where fanfic writers re-imagine authors' work either in a way that stays true to the original details, or moves so far beyond its unrecognizable.
If I could adapt one book series, I would choose Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. With its rich world-building, powerful character arcs, and epic scope, it’s ideal for a high-budget HBO series. HBO has the capacity to handle mature themes, complex political dynamics, and intense action sequences. I think it could do so well, especially in the rise of fantasy as a genre, much like they did with Game of Thrones (as long as its a better ending than Game of Thrones). Having Maas serve as an executive producer would also help preserve the vision and tone of the series. A long-form series would give each book the space it deserves, rather than rushing through the arc of Celaena Sardothien’s transformation from assassin to rebel to leader.
Resources:
Game of Thrones. Created by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, HBO, 2011–2019.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2. Directed by David Yates, performances by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, Warner Bros. Pictures, 2011.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Directed by Andrew Adamson, performances by Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, William Moseley, and Anna Popplewell, Walt Disney Pictures, 2005.
Maas, Sarah J. Throne of Glass series. Bloomsbury, 2012–2018.
When the Book Is Better than the Movie (Feat. Lindsay Ellis) | It's Lit!. YouTube, uploaded by PBS Voices, 4 June 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vog2G3HkJ6U
I’m going to be real with you all when I say horror is definitely not my thing. Honestly...I’m probably one of the biggest scaredy-cats you'll ever meet. I remember once going to Halloween Horror Nights, and honestly, it was a disaster for me. My job paid for the tickets, so I thought, “Why not? It’s not real.” But after I was cornered by a man with a chainsaw, I have never emotionally recovered. It was so embarrassing and I have never lived it down within my friend group. I know some people get a thrill out of the adrenaline and the scares, but for me, I just feel pure terror and can't handle it. That involves book horror, typically, as well.
For stories that are based on true historical events, I’m honestly torn. While part of me is more inclined to give it a chance because it connects with real history (it’s hard not to be intrigued when something is based on actual events) it can also be way out of my comfort zone. At the end of the day, I’d rather stick to lighter genres that don’t make me feel like I need to sleep with the lights on afterward. I’m very much a “cozy” reader.
On that note, I do love symbolism and metaphors in writing. One of the important symbols in Lone Women for me is the main character's locked trunk. It represents both her physical and emotional burdens. She is carrying the weight of her past, full of secrets and painful memories. The trunk is ever-present throughout the story, symbolizing the “baggage” she can’t truly escape, no matter how far she runs or how hard she works to build a new life in Montana. I was at a Kelsea Ballerini concert this past weekend and one of her songs "Baggage" reminded me of this book. As my girl Kelsea Ballerini sings, “I got some bones of old skeletons, from the old house at the dead end, I got baggage, but I’m movin’ in.” It’s clear that while she may never fully be rid of her past, Adelaide’s journey is about learning to move forward.
Resources:
Ballerini, K. (2023). Baggage. On Patterns [Album]. Black River Entertainment.
In both Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and Remote Control, the theme of identity is explored through characters who have unusual or supernatural abilities that shape how they see themselves. This theme of blending the regular “natural” world with the supernatural is similar to what we see in African literature, where supernatural forces often mix with the real world, especially in times of social crisis (Riddle). In her essay Nature and the Supernatural in African Literature, Amy Riddle talks about how supernatural elements in African stories represent not just the unknown, but also the worries and changes happening in society. Riddle argues that in African novels, supernatural events are linked with real-world problems, showing how what seems "supernatural" is actually tied to the social and economic conditions of the time, especially during difficult periods of history (Riddle). This idea helps us understand the characters of Jacob and Sankofa, whose unique abilities and the history around them reflects larger social and personal struggles with their identities.
In Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Jacob’s journey into the peculiar world shows Riddle's idea that supernatural traits can reveal the struggles of a society in change. Jacob tries to understand his new identity in the peculiar community, which creates tension between his old life (his father) and his new one (Miss Peregrine). The peculiar children in Riggs’s book are not just different because of their abilities, but also because they are considered outsiders in a world or timeline that doesn’t understand them or even know about them (Rigg). This theme of being both special and unknown by society fits within the same expected and beloved plots seen in most young adult novels.
Chang Hawk’s article Between Reality and Fantasy: Home in Ransom Riggs's Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children adds to this idea by discussing the concept of "home" for the peculiar children. Hawk says that the peculiar children want a safe place to belong, but they also realize that they will never truly fit in. This longing for a home is a big part of the identity story, and it shows the personal struggles of the characters, both in Riggs's novel and in Okorafor’s Remote Control. Hawk’s analysis shows that for these characters, "home" is an unusual, magical space that represents the difficulty or opposite of fitting into society (Hawk). This idea ties into Jacob’s journey of accepting his peculiar identity, and it shows how the spaces we live in shape who we are, or what we become.
Similarly, in Remote Control, Sankofa’s transformation is more than just a mystical change—it is also a response to a world changing around her. Okorafor’s description of Sankofa’s changing identity connects to the idea that supernatural forces can show changes in both the natural world and society. Sankofa’s identity shifts because she has to adapt to survive in a world that mostly fears her abilities as Death’s adopted daughter, and where constant change is necessary for survival. Riddle’s theory helps explain how this constant change, or searching, reflects larger social problems, much like overbearing technology and sudden environmental collapse (Riddle).
Both Riggs and Okorafor use supernatural elements to show how identity can be shaped by forces outside of a person’s control. Whether it’s Jacob’s abilities or Sankofa’s powers, these changes reflect Riddle's point that the supernatural often symbolizes the unseen forces that shape a person’s social and personal life, an invisible string , if you will. By using these elements and themes in both books, both authors offer a deeper dive into the theory of identity, which can resonate with readers facing their own challenges fitting in with what society wants them to be.
References
Chang, H. (2022). Between reality and fantasy: Home in Ransom Riggs's Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. English Studies: A Journal of English Language and Literature, 103(1), 78-93.
Okorafor, N. (2021). Remote control. Tordotcom.
Riggs, R. (2011). Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. Quirk Books.
Riddle, A. (2020). Nature and the supernatural in African literature. Journal of African Literature Studies, 12(2), 45-62.
In the novella Remote Control, the main character is a young girl who faces a lonely journey. She goes through many challenges, including losing her family, becoming someone others fear, and dealing with the powerful abilities. As she moves through this world, she tries to understand herself and find the seed she lost.
Sankofa accepts her identity as "the daughter of death," even though her powers bring fear and uncertainty. She tries to balance her powers, using them for good, but sometimes needing to keep her emotions in check. Her powers are both helpful and dangerous. They allow her to protect herself, but they also bring destruction and isolation. Though her journey doesn’t follow the traditional path of a hero, it is still a quest. It’s a journey where she figures out who she is, what role she plays in the world, and what her purpose is, especially with the big questions about life and death.
Sankofa’s powers are supernatural. A strange seed from the sky gives her the ability to cause death with just a touch, but she ends up losing the seed and looks to find it to understand her powers more. This mixes magic with science fiction, creating a world where the supernatural and technology exist together. The author, Nnedi Okorafor, mixes traditional African stories with futuristic ideas, especially with Sankofa’s role as the daughter of death, or someone who is both feared and respected.
Remote Control connects with ideas we read about in Nature and the Supernatural in African Literature by Amy Riddle. In African literature, the supernatural is often linked with social and natural forces, reflecting fears about changes in society. Riddle explains that the supernatural can seem connected to the natural world, sometimes making it hard to tell them apart. For Sankofa, the supernatural power she has comes from the "natural" seed, but this seed is full of mystery and the unknown. The power she holds is something she can’t fully control, just like the futuristic forces in society around her are something she cannot control. This fits with Riddle’s idea that the supernatural often shows the challenges and fears of the natural and social worlds.
While the supernatural is important in the story, it also has elements of magical realism and post-apocalyptic fiction, mixing modern-day Ghana with futuristic technology. The seed’s origin and full powers are never clearly explained, moving the story away from strict science fiction into a world where myth, magic and technology are part of the same reality.
The supernatural in Remote Control is connected to Africanfuturism, as Okorafor blends African culture, folklore, and futuristic technological ideas to create a world that feels both traditional and futuristic. The story is a mix of magical realism and science fiction, which is what makes it Africanfuturism. The story brings together the past, present, and future in an African setting.
Resources:
Okorafor, N. (2021). Remote control. DAW Books.
Riddle, A. (2020). Nature and the supernatural in African literature. African Identities, 18(1-2), 80-94. https://doi.org/10.1080/14725843.2020.1773238
Both Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins explore the theme of power and love in terms of control. In both books, the way characters use influence, love, and manipulation is a big part of the story. These themes are shown not just through what characters do, but also in their relationships with others. A lot of the story revolves around how power is used and how love can either protect or control people.
In Miss Peregrine's, Miss Peregrine has control over the peculiar children, guiding and protecting them from danger. In The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Coriolanus Snow's desire for power controls every choice he makes.
Two Selected Texts:
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
Miss Peregrine's is set in a magical world where Miss Peregrine's protective love for the peculiar children is central to the story, showing how power can be used to help and protect a group. On the other hand, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes looks at how Coriolanus Snow rises in power within the Capitol, using manipulation to control people and take care of himself, even if it harms the people who care about him.
The different ways power and love are shown in these two books make them great examples of how love can both empower and be used to control people.
Selected Literary Devices:
Symbolism:
Both books use birds as symbols to show themes of control and influence.
In Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, Miss Peregrine is represented by a peregrine falcon, symbolizing her role as a protector of the peculiar children. The other time loop protectors are also linked to birds, showing a “mother bird” figure that controls and takes care of their “nest.”
In The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Lucy Gray is connected to both snakes and songbirds, showing the mix of her relationship with Coriolanus Snow and The Covey. The snake represents how Snow tries to control Lucy Gray, while also being fascinated by her charm. The mockingjay, a symbol of rebellion in The Hunger Games, reminds Snow of Lucy Gray’s power and influence on him, even haunting him from when they first meet until his death.
Poetry:
Both authors use poetry to deepen the story.
In The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, poetry is important, with mentions of poets like William Wordsworth and poems written by the author.
In Miss Peregrine’s, the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson are also mentioned.
The use of poetry in both books helps readers understand the characters’ feelings and the lessons the authors want to share.
Working Thesis Statement:
In Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Ransom Riggs and Suzanne Collins explore the complex themes of love and control, looking at how these forces affect the characters and their relationships, and how they can be used either to protect or manipulate.
Commercial Success:
The themes of power, control, and how they affect love and relationships are a big reason why these books are so popular. Both stories appeal to readers because they explore how love, power, and control show up in relationships, whether in a fantasy world or a dystopian setting.
Historical Influence:
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is inspired by the time of World War II. The story reflects the need for protection and safety, especially for the Jewish community during the war. Miss Peregrine’s role as a protector of the peculiar children is similar to how rebels fought to protect vulnerable groups, like Jews, from the Nazis. In the story, the "hollowghasts" replace the Nazis as the evil force.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is influenced by the rise of dictators and totalitarian governments in the 20th century, especially after World War II and during the Cold War. Suzanne Collins looks at how powerful leaders use manipulation and control to stay in power.
Resources:
Collins, S. (2020). The ballad of songbirds and snakes. Scholastic Press.
Lam, T. (2024, March 2). How ‘The Hunger Games’ transcends make-believe. The Science Survey. https://thesciencesurvey.com/editorial/2024/03/02/how-the-hunger-games-transcends-make-believe/
Mirra, R. (2022, December 16). What are literary devices? Explanation with examples. Notion Press. https://notionpress.com/blog/what-are-literary-devices-explanation-with-examples/?srsltid=AfmBOookuuO1HIDJIn7uc90vdPD2wh1mNWLBm9LvrGF0rzI0749BfylR
Riggs, R. (2011). Miss Peregrine's home for peculiar children. Quirk Books.
Zarzycka, A. (n.d.). The gothification of World War II as a source of cultural self-reflection in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and Hollow City. In War Gothic in Literature and Culture (pp. 229-245).
The narrative voice in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is written in the first person narrative. I personally think first person narrative can be one of the best ways to pull off a younger voice, as well as connect an audience quicker. Because the audience is given the experience of being “inside” the protagonist’s head, there is a direct link between protagonist and the audience. Emotions don’t become filtered through the distance of a third person narrator, instead the emotions happen in the moment, as the protagonist feels them.
The first person narrative sticks through the entire book, however, the mood shifts through the book. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children plays off a fantasy, horror, and adventure mash up that is so unique to Rigg’s voice as a young adult author writing younger characters.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is a classic quest story for young adults. It starts with a average character who lives a ‘normal’ life and then is thrust into an abnormal one.
The Hero’s Journey consists of 12 key stages that are present in the book:
Introduction to Character – Establishes the hero and their world. (Meeting Jacob)
Call to Adventure – The hero is presented with a problem or desire that pushes them toward change. (finds grandfather's trunk filled with mementos)
Refusal of the Call – The hero resists, expressing fear or reluctance to embark on the journey. (Jacob doesn’t believe the peculiar children are real, grandfather was lying, ect.)
Introducing a Mentor – A guide provides wisdom, tools, or reassurance to help the hero move forward. (One could argue Jacob's grandfather starts the role, the psychologist initiates it, and Miss Peregrine fills it.)
Crossing into the Special World – The hero leaves their familiar world and enters a new, unknown realm. (Jacob follows Emma into the loop)
Tests, Allies, and Enemies – The hero faces small challenges, learning the rules of this new world. (the hollowgasts, the blips, the time wars)
The Approach – The hero prepares for the major ordeal, developing deeper relationships or facing suspicions. (saving the house from the hollows)
The Ordeal – A pivotal moment of near-death or intense confrontation, followed by a rebirth or realization. (the rescue of Miss Peregrine)
The Reward – The hero reflects on their transformation and gains a new sense of identity or power. (Jacob can see hollows and thus, kill them)
The Road Back – A chase or challenge arises as the hero moves toward home, often encountering obstacles. (The time loop is unable to reset due to Miss Peregrine being stuck in her bird form)
The Resurrection – The hero faces a final test, symbolizing ultimate growth or transformation. (Jacob decides to stay with the children).
Return with the Elixir – The hero brings back newfound wisdom or a gift to share with their world, completing their journey. (Jacob and the children figure out they’re better if they work together and move forward to save other peculiar children from hollows and the like).
Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone follows the similar guidelines:
Introduction to Character – Establishes the hero and their world. (Harry Potter is introduced, living with the Dursleys, unaware of his magical heritage.)
Call to Adventure – The hero is presented with a problem or desire that pushes them toward change. (Harry receives his letter from Hogwarts, inviting him into the magical world.)
Refusal of the Call – The hero resists, expressing fear or reluctance to embark on the journey. (Harry initially doubts the truth of the letter.)
Introducing a Mentor – A guide provides wisdom, tools, or reassurance to help the hero move forward. (Hagrid introduces Harry to the wizarding world.)
Crossing into the Special World – The hero leaves their familiar world and enters a new, unknown realm. (Harry travels to Diagon Alley.)
Tests, Allies, and Enemies – The hero faces small challenges, learning the rules of this new world. (Harry faces various challenges at Hogwarts, making friends and enemies.)
The Approach – The hero prepares for the major ordeal, developing deeper relationships or facing suspicions. (Harry, Ron, and Hermione prepare to face the challenge of protecting the Sorcerer’s Stone from Voldemort.)
The Ordeal – A pivotal moment of near-death or intense confrontation, followed by a rebirth or realization. (Harry loses Ron and Hermione in the ordeals.)
The Reward – The hero reflects on their transformation and gains a new sense of identity or power. (Harry realizes how strong his friendship is with Hermione and Ron, something he never had, and that gives him the strength to keep going for the Stone.)
The Road Back – A chase or challenge arises as the hero moves toward home, often encountering obstacles.(When Harry confronts Voldemort, Voldemort offers Harry the one thing he's never had: his family.)
The Resurrection – The hero faces a final test, symbolizing ultimate growth or transformation. (Harry knows Voldemort is lying, takes the Stone, and defeats Voldemort.)
Return with the Elixir – The hero brings back newfound wisdom or a gift to share with their world, completing their journey. (Harry returns the Stone to Flamel and is reunited with Ron and Hermione.)
Resources:
Rowling, J. K. (1997). Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Scholastic.
Riggs, Ransom. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. Quirk Books, 2013, https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781594745133.
Vogler, Christopher. “12 Stages of The Hero’s Journey.” YouTube, Film Courage, 12 Apr. 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNNaMuBOxv4.
