Lecture Notes: The Hunger Games and Cultural Geography

Introduction

• Presenter: Dove
• Passionate about the Hunger Games
• Transitioned from TikTok to long-form content
• Studied cultural geography in college
• Reread the Hunger Games as an adult in March 2023
• Created a 22,000-word thesis
• Series focuses on each district and the capital, covering geography of Panem
• Film and video will include analysis on Salt Lake City, Utah history, Mormon values, and more

Hunger Games and Geography

• Hunger Games resurgence on Netflix in 2023
• Adult perspective offers deeper understanding of the series
• Exploration of place and identity in the series
• Fascination with maps and the location of the capital

The Capital's Location

• Critique of the canonical map used in the movies
• Fan theories about the capital being in Denver or Wyoming
• Presenter argues the capital is in Salt Lake City
• Discussion of geographical features supporting this theory

Salt Lake City and Mormon Influence

• Salt Lake City as the Mormon cultural hub
• Description of Temple Square and its significance
• Discussion on wide streets and large blocks in Salt Lake City
• Underground tunnels in Salt Lake City

Capital in Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

• Description of the capital's architecture and streets in the book
• Historical and architectural parallels with Salt Lake City

Cultural Geography: Mormonism and the Capital

• Exploration of Mormon influence on the cultural geography of the capital
• Comparison between Mormon traditions and the capital’s societal norms
• Detailed biography of Lorenzo Snow, a Mormon prophet
• Parallels between Snow's and Lorenzo Snow's leadership and policies

Mormon Beliefs and Apocalyptic Narratives

• Mormons' emphasis on family history and genealogy
• Doctrinal focus on the apocalypse and preparation for it
• The White Horse prophecy and the concept of a Mormon theocracy

Panem as a Theocracy

• Comparison of Panem's political structure to Mormon theocratic ideals
• Discussion of Panem's flag design and symbolism
• Exploration of Mormon cultural remnants in the capital

Capital Sensibilities and Behaviors

• Examination of capital citizens' attitudes toward religion and ritual
• Analysis of the capital’s food culture and its excess
• Discussion on the capital’s fashion trends and body modification

Conclusion

• Presenter argues for Salt Lake City as the location of the capital
• Encourages viewer participation and feedback on future district focus

Personal Thoughts and Observations

• Reflection on the research process
• Invitation for feedback and subscriber engagement

These notes provide a comprehensive overview of the lecture, focusing on cultural geography, the influence of Mormonism, and the geographical and cultural aspects of Panem and the capital in the Hunger Games series. They summarize key arguments and insights presented by Dove.