13 Reasons Why

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I think that 13 Reasons Why is a great novel in terms that it delivers a very strong and convincing message about suicide, and promotes awareness of mental health and self harm. However, I think that the execution of how the promotion these ideas loses its impact through the characters of the book. For instance, Hannah Baker comes across as almost vindictive and vengeful when she is making the tapes addressed to the people who contributed to her suicide. My reasoning for this, is because if she wanted those who wronged her to know the damage that they had done; Hannah could have released the tapes publicly. for all to know. Instead, she has them delivered personally, so that each contributor can listen to it on their own accord, and further allow the guilt to fester as they cannot/will not tell others what happened (I mean, why would they admit to basically killing someone?). Thus leading to the deterioration of those individuals. I could see why Hannah Baker's character could deliver the "wrong" message to teens if they are not looking at the book holistically; but I think as far as content goes the book needs to be taught in the classroom. I wouldn't just hand the books to the students and just let them read, but I would pick apart the characters thoroughly and further underscore and explain the message that Asher is trying to convey. 


Comments

  1. UnknownDecember 10, 2017 at 12:42 PM

    Victoria, I totally agree that it brings strong awareness of suicide to the audience. It is interesting that you depict Hannah as vengeful and vindictive. I can see where you're coming from, because well, it's pretty dramatic. It almost aestheticizes her cripling power as the victim. It could influence others to be dramatic/suicidal just so they can have that image. However, it makes a good (fictional) story. You're right about how it can lead to the "wrong message." It is important to explain the book before just handing it off to adolescents. Great blog!

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