Safe and Sound
Next weekend The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes comes out in theaters. I loved The Hunger Games books/movies and wanted to read the newest book before the movie came out so I read it last summer. I really enjoyed it, in fact, I'd say, it’s probably the best one. Although, this one is even darker, and Katniss from the first series... the heroine that she is, is still my favorite character... this newest book surprised me at how much I liked it.
While reading it, I couldn't help but think how the main character, Coriolanus (the young President Snow), showed pretty accurate signs of a narcissist. I think we all figured the adult President Snow in The Hunger Games is narcissistic, if not psychopathic, but it's not as obvious in the younger version of himself, which makes it even more interesting seeing how he turns into the villain that he is. Of any character I've ever read in a book, this younger version represented much of what I've seen and learned of narcissism in the last few years, and I think it's because the narcissism is so subtle and hidden. You would never know this person would turn into President Snow, the Tyrant, since on the outside, he's likable and charming, and he seems to be a caring person.
Not having seen the movie yet, I'm not sure how they'll portray Coriolanus, however, the book is written from his perspective so we know his thoughts and the motives behind what he does, which is fascinating (and terrifying) because you see him acting one way, but thinking something completely different. Coriolanus looks like he's got things completely under control and is calm, cool, and collected. As I said, everyone likes him and trusts him and you can't see any reason not to. He does what he's suppose to do, is nice, polite, smart, and put together. He doesn't necessarily agree with the way the Capitol runs things, however, he would never rebel knowing too well that it would just get him in trouble and all he wants to do is stay in the Capitol where he'll be safe, rich, and successful. In fact, he thinks his friend, Sejanus, is an idiot for rebelling (and doing the right thing), but of course, he would never say that out loud. As the story goes on, you can see how people trust him, but you also begin to see how he would throw them under the bus in an instant to save himself.
The saddest part is his relationship with Lucy Gray. Clearly he likes her, but you can tell he doesn't like it that he likes her. It makes him uncomfortable. Liking her makes him vulnerable, which makes him feel out of control. He also doesn't want to have to rely on anyone or trust anyone so he's torn between his feelings for her and wanting to run. I won't say what happens in the end, but Dr Ramini of Navigating Narcissism talks about how narcissists end up having contempt for those closest to them because they bring up unwanted feelings like shame and helplessness, which they HATE... it makes them feel small and powerless, so in the end they blame the other person for those unwanted feelings. They also end up being paranoid because they don’t trust anyone and are on high alert of be taken advantage of, especially in close relationships, which causes another problem for him and poor Lucy.
In the end, we all know where this leads if we've seen the original Hunger Games so it's no secret how Coriolanus turns out. I'm not saying all narcissists turn into murderous psychopaths, in fact, I think most just continue on their way, putting on a show with their best behavior in front of the world, but showing an entirely different side to those closest to them, however, I do think young Coriolanus is an interesting example of the mind of a narcissist. Not to mention the title of the book itself implies that a twisted story is about to unfold. Learning about narcissism has been eye opening, fascinating, and validating. It's the only way to get yourself to a place where you feel Safe and Sound...
"When all the shadows almost killed your light..."
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