What is Transmedia Narrative? I’m not going to do a quick
Google search or copy and paste whatever Wikipedia says, I’m going to describe
it for you in my own words. For me, Transmedia Narrative is described as
stories that can jump the boarder between different forms of story
communication. An example of this is Spiderman. First it was a comic, then
toys, movies, video games and now a Broadway musical. Who knew Peter Parker had
such an enchanting falsetto?
This week we were asked to toss around the idea that The
Hunger Games is like The Wizard of Oz. Considering I had only read, The Wizard of Oz once years ago I had a
lot of catching up to do for this assignment. Time well spent if you ask me.
One of the first parallels I noticed was that both stories feature a female
protagonist. Both protagonists involuntarily become strangers in a strange
land. Where Katniss has to fight to get home, Dorothy must find her way.
The two are more similar than just general story arch. When
we dive into the Land of Oz, we are engulfed by the fantastic. With every
munchkin there is a sense of awe and wonderment. But nothing is more fantastic
and wonderful than The Emerald City. The same is true with Panem, the seat of
power in The Hunger Games.
Seneca Crane and The Wicked Witch of the West are one in the
same. They both keep tabs on Katniss and Dorothy, throwing whatever they can at
them when they can. Although I have to say, Seneca has a way cooler crystal
ball and more stylish monkeys.
Katniss and Dorothy also have their own special ways to ward
off evil. Dorothy has her ever in vogue ruby slippers and Katniss, the
mockingjay pendant.
You can also take a look at some of the more obvious
parallels. Both from poorer families, both Dorothy and Katniss are from rural
areas.
Makes me wonder, would Katniss friend request Dorothy on
Facebook?
