The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins is the prequel to The Hunger Games trilogy and tells the story of President Snow. There is so much in this amazing book that I put together some discussion questions. Be warned that there may be some spoilers, so read on only if you have already read the book and are ready to discuss it with others. If you haven't read it, do so. Suzanne Collins does amazing things in young adult literature.
Book Discussion Questions:
The Ballad of Songbirds and
Snakes by Suzanne Collins
1)
What did you think about the title of this book
before you read it? And after?
2)
This book is about Coriolanus Snow and his
origins. Did he seem like the same character we’ve seen in the other Hunger
Games books?
-
His family was poor and couldn’t even afford new
shirts. Was that a surprise? What did you think about him wanting to hide his
family’s poverty?
-
Tigris is his cousin! By Mockingjay, we know she
is on the rebel’s side. What do you think of this?
3)
Let’s talk about Lucy Gray Baird. What did you think of her character?
-
Her affinity for snakes
-
From District 12
-
Her singing – Lucy Gray is the writer of the
lullabyes Katniss sings “Deep in the Meadow” and “The Hanging Tree”
4)
Much of the book centers on the romance between
Coriolanus and Lucy Gray. What are your thoughts on their relationship?
5)
Coriolanus gets a break when he gets to feature
Lucy Gray at the zoo. Quite a bit happens at the zoo. What are your thoughts on
this?
-
What do you think is worse….letting tributes
starve in cages, or fattening them up like Katniss and Peeta?
6)
Let’s talk about Sejanus, one of Corio’s peers.
He is different than the others. Do you think that is because he is from
District 2 and not the Capitol?
-
What do you think about the relationship between
Coriolanus and Sejanus….and the Plinths?
7)
What are your thoughts on Casca Highbottom, the
brains behind the Hunger Games?
8)
We are introduced to Dr. Volumnia Gaul, Head
Gamemaker. Did she surprise you in any way?
-
What did you think of her neon colored snakes?
9)
Were you surprised when the girl from District
10 suddenly killed Arachne Crane? Did you think Arachne brought it on by
teasing with the sandwich?
10)
Did the explosions at the arena surprise you?
What are your thoughts on the arena?
11)
What do you think happened to Clemensia after
the snake bite?
12)
Sejanus’ tribute, Marcus, was a classmate. Do
you think that was unfair to Sejanus?
13)
By the time the Hunger Games begin, there are
only 13 tributes left. What are your thoughts on that?
14)
As the games begin, Coriolanus and Lucy Gray
kiss. How does this make you feel?
15)
They display Marcus’ body at the beginning of
the games. What did you think of that?
16)
What about the Hunger Games in this book was
familiar to you? What differences did you notice?
17)
Coriolanus has to go into the games to save
Sejanus. What are your thoughts on that? What do you think about when he killed
Bobbin….his first kill?
18)
Was Coriolanus cheating when he put the
handkerchief in the snakes’ cage?
19)
What are your thoughts on the snakes in the
arena?
20)
In part 3, Coriolanus is sent to District 12 to
be a Peacekeeper. What are your thoughts
on this?
21)
Is Coriolanus responsible for what happens to
Sejanus?
22)
There is a lot of talk about the mockingjays and
their origins. What are your thoughts on this? On jabberjays? What are your thoughts on how
Coriolanus sees these birds?
23)
We find out that Coriolanus’ father is
responsible for the creation of the Hunger Games. What are your thoughts on
this?
24)
This book is about Coriolanus. Do you think he
changes by the end of the story?
25)
What do you think happened to Lucy Gray?
