The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

by

Suzanne Collins

Teachers and parents! Our Teacher Edition on The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes makes teaching easy.

Commander Hoff Character Analysis

Commander Hoff runs the Peacekeepers’ base in District 12. Coriolanus doesn’t see much of him, but Hoff seems to enjoy playing mean jokes on Peacekeepers: he sends armed guards to fetch Coriolanus before he tells Coriolanus about his stellar officer test results, which seems designed to make Coriolanus fearful and anxious. He’s replaced not long after Coriolanus returns to the Capitol.
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Commander Hoff Character Timeline in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

The timeline below shows where the character Commander Hoff appears in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 22
Propaganda, Spectacle, and Morality Theme Icon
Government and Power Theme Icon
Human Nature Theme Icon
...responsible has been apprehended, and he’ll hang this afternoon in front of mine workers. Later, Commander Hoff , the base commander, tells Coriolanus and Sejanus to go to the hanging. At noon,... (full context)
Propaganda, Spectacle, and Morality Theme Icon
Government and Power Theme Icon
...covered in coal soot. Then, three vehicles drive up with Mayor Lipp and his family, Commander Hoff and other officers, and finally guards and the prisoner. Coriolanus watches out of the corner... (full context)
Chapter 29
Propaganda, Spectacle, and Morality Theme Icon
Children Theme Icon
Government and Power Theme Icon
Trust and Loyalty Theme Icon
...sleeps well that night and joins in on drills in the morning. Then, after lunch, Commander Hoff ’s aide requests Coriolanus to follow him. Coriolanus is relieved, but wishes he’d brought his... (full context)
Trust and Loyalty Theme Icon
...practice. Later in the evening, the mess hall serves an elegant meal in honor of Commander Hoff ’s birthday. Then, the Peacekeepers gather in the gym for whisky and music—the Covey are... (full context)
Propaganda, Spectacle, and Morality Theme Icon
Children Theme Icon
Government and Power Theme Icon
...the commander’s office. Coriolanus is terrified and considers running, but the guards escort him to Commander Hoff ’s office. There, Commander Hoff congratulates Coriolanus—Coriolanus will leave for officers’ school tomorrow. (full context)
Chapter 30
Propaganda, Spectacle, and Morality Theme Icon
Government and Power Theme Icon
Commander Hoff says that Coriolanus is the youngest person to pass the test, and his scores are... (full context)