Katniss Everdeen and Juno are both characters from novels where their physionomies are represented in terms of their individuality and identity, through these key characteristics teenagers can resonate most with one particular character. You can’t change who you are. No matter how hard you struggle, some things will never change. And maybe they shouldn’t.
This quote represents the struggles Juno and Katniss faced when they both attempted to explore their identities. This can be seen in the texts, represented in how they are identified, their individuality and using these to determine which character would resonate most with teenagers in today’s world. The novel, Juno of Tarie by Fleur Beale and the movie, the Hunger Games reflect how these two chatracters express the knowledge of their identity and individuality.
Due to Katniss’ uprising in a harsh world where she needed to be strong and diligent in order to survive, her identity became more than just defining who she was. Katniss is depicted as a survivor and a warrior as she needed to be in order to help protect herself and those around her. She expressed this identity through byperforming actions that she didn’t want to do but felt were necessary in order to live or to protect those that were weaker. For example, Katniss organised a raid on the supply camp to source supplies to help Rue, one of the other competitors who would not have survived otherwise.
Although Katniss was used to killing things for food, the competition forced her to kill to survive which reinforces the idea of her identity as a survivor. In comparison Juno was made to adopt an identity chosen by the Governor’s istead of allowing her to form her own sense of identity. Juno wasn’t allowed to think for herself or have the freedom to decide who she wanted to be due to the strict expectations of her society. As Juno becomes a teenger she begins to question why and rebelling against the rules which leads to her beginning to chose her own identity. She develops her identity into a warrior, fighting for a change for the better. Katniss and Juno both share the desire to fight for what they believe no matter what the cost to themselves.
To find ones knowledge of who they are, is a long and difficult journey but necessary in order to fully understand, which can be seen in the characters of Katniss and Juno as they struggle to individualise themselves. From the beginning of the novel Katniss Everdeen knew who she was and what she believed in providing her with a strong sense of individuality. Katniss is illustrated to be determined and protective when it comes to those she loves and expresses her characteristics through her drastic actions. Compared to Juno who is portrayed as courageous and valiant, fighting through the struggles and difficulties associated with becoming a teenager.
Compared to Katniss, Juno has not yet developed her sense of identity and is still discovering who she is. Through her actions Juno soon connects her actions to her beliefs and values. Understandably Juno is still young and only beginning her teenage period, where she is quite confused and hesitant towards believing in herself and who she is. Juno does however show a determined desire to understand her individuality which is a similar characteristic to that shown by Katniss.
The characters of Katniss and Juno demonstrate their individuality and identity through thoughts and actions which are common in teenagers today. Both characters experienced upbringings in similar enviroments however their sense of identity and individuality developed at different stages of their lives. The majority of teenagers will identify more with the character of Katniss as her struggles to survive can be compared to a teenagers struggle in a world full of expectations.
From the texts, the evidence shows how both characters can be seen as role models to teenagers however Katniss is a standout. This is due to the fact that most teenagers between the ages of 13- 17 years are more likely to be striving to find their own sense of identity. At the earlier stages of a teenagers life most want to fit in rather than be noticed as they are more reluctant to develop an individuality of their own. Katniss shows a confident and determined attitude towards life which is what most teenagers want to possess. She clearly shows throughout the novel, her identity and her strong belief in herself through events and her actions.
For example when Katniss decides to stand up to the Capitol by eating the berries instead of killing Peeta, by doing this she refused to let anyone control her and deny her becoming who she wants to be. In the novel teenagers see the Capitol to be similar to the society in today’s world, as most feel as if they have to comply to the “rules and expectations”. Katniss demonstrated how to be fearless and determined to not be controlled by anyone else but herself which is what teenagers feel they can take this moral and use it, as they too want to be in control of their own lives. This evidence shows how Katniss Everdeen can be symbolised as a role model to teenagers today based on her key characteristics and sense of her identity.
