Useless Thoughts (in Hunger Games series)

[Mark]

I'm re-reading the Mockingjay, and I've realized that Collins uses "I thought" in the book, referring to Katniss' thoughts.

What I'm wondering is, isn't it redundant to put the phrase "I thought," preceded by Katniss' thoughts in italics, in a first-person novel. I am certain that many SUCCESSFUL authors do this, but it's kind of pointless to me.

If the book is in first person, everything said by the narrator/main character--besides dialogues--will be thoughts. Am I right?

[Madison]

yea.

[K.B.]

That might have been the editor's decision, and not Collins. While first person narrative is the protagonist's interpretation of events, avid readers know that italics represent the narrator's thoughts in that particular moment. It could be that a little bit of redundancy was added so there would be no confusion over what was actually said/thought/though upon reflection. If that's the case, that sorta seems like condescending to one's readers.

[Library Lady 📚]

That does seem strange. I listened to these on audio, so of course I wouldn't know what was italicized. It all sounded fine and not redundant when read aloud.

[S.]

Mark wrote: "I'm re-reading the Mockingjay, and I've realized that Collins uses "I thought" in the book, referring to Katniss' thoughts.

What I'm wondering is, isn't it redundant to put the phrase "I thought,"..."

Haha I wondered the same thing! But yes not sure of the reason behind it :p

[Paula]

I agree with K.B. it's kind of condescending to reader's. I love this series but in my opinion there are many things form this last one that I didn't liek or that just don't make sensw to me (like Prim's death). But well...