Author

Mollie Hall

Date Approved

2012

Date Posted

6-6-2013

Degree Type

Open Access Senior Honors Thesis

Department or School

English Language and Literature

First Advisor

Annette Wannamaker

Abstract

Though science fiction is dominated by males, strong female protagonists in this genre have become very popular. Current dystopian young adult literature starring girls incorporates romance, blending a traditionally masculine genre with a typically feminine genre. The heroines in dystopian young adult novels are empowered by their own femininity and are able to bring about societal change, taking power not generally given to young females in patriarchal societies. Romance, an often ridiculed genre, has recently been incorporated into science fiction narratives in order to create more authentic characters who deal with both societal problems and personal relationships. Suzanne Collins's Hunger Games series will be used as an example of how science fiction and romance can be combined in young adult literature and how this combination is empowering and positive for a strong female protagonist like Katniss Everdeen.

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