Media as a Propaganda Means in Mockingjay

Abstract

This research analyzes the formula in Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. The formula in this novel is done by finding the narrative structure, such as plot, setting, character and characterization as the standardization aspect based on Cawelti’s theory. To show the relation between formula and culture, it is necessary to find uniqueness. The uniqueness of this research is that it explores the use of media in the United States of America in the 21st century. This thesis is qualitative research because the data is in the form of descriptive words. There are two types of data in this research: main data and supporting data. The main data comes from the novel Mockingjay, which focuses on the three elements of a formulaic pattern: plot, setting, character and characterization. The supporting data comes from books, journals, articles, and websites from internet related to the formula for literary elements and the state of the media in the United States in the 21st century. It can be concluded that Mockingjay uses the adventure and romance pattern, which is a popular pattern. Two settings are used in this novel: the setting of places and the setting of atmosphere. The setting of time is unclear because there is only one explanation about when the 74th Hunger Games happened. The setting of place in this novel is explained to be in North America in the further future. Moreover, the atmosphere described in the novel is mostly dark, sad, and miserable. The characters in the novel had to overcome their struggles to achieve their goal. Every character has struggles and goals. The second is about The media in this novel is used for propaganda. It can be seen in how Capitol and District 13 (the rebellion) used their media to bring down each party and invite each district to side with which party. Katniss becomes the object of the media. They used Katniss as the face of x the rebellion so that people would come to them and go against the Capitol. This happened in the United States as well. In wartime, the United States uses its media to convince people that their invasion is because of the goodness of the people around the world and for peace.