Essays on The Hate U Give

February 28, 2017, Angie Thomas

Novel

Bildungsroman; Young Adult Fiction

Starr Carter, Khalil Harris, Maverick “Big Mav” Carter, Lisa Carter, Uncle Carlos, Seven Carter, King, Chris, One-Fifteen, Hailey Grant, DeVAnte, Kenya

"The Hate U Give" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel by Angie Thomas. The story follows sixteen-year-old Starr Carter, who lives in a poor, predominantly Black neighborhood while attending a predominantly white private school. Starr's life takes a tragic turn when she witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood friend, Khalil, at the hands of a police officer. The incident sparks outrage and protest in her community, and Starr finds herself caught between two worlds as she navigates the aftermath.
Haunted by the traumatic event, Starr becomes determined to speak up for Khalil and fight for justice. As she confronts systemic racism, police brutality, and the weight of her own voice, she finds herself torn between fear and the need to make a difference. With the support of her family and friends, Starr finds the courage to stand up against injustice, challenging the status quo and advocating for the truth.

"The Hate U Give" is set in the contemporary United States, primarily in the fictional neighborhood of Garden Heights, a predominantly Black and low-income community. Garden Heights is plagued by poverty, violence, and the constant presence of drugs. The neighborhood is characterized by its strong sense of community and resilience, with tight-knit families and a vibrant culture.
In contrast, Starr Carter, the protagonist, attends Williamson Prep, a predominantly white private school located in a wealthier neighborhood. The school represents a stark contrast to Starr's home environment, with its privilege, affluence, and racial divide.
The story also takes place in various other settings, including Starr's home, the Carter family's store, and the courtroom where the trial against the police officer unfolds. Each setting plays a significant role in depicting the stark differences in social, economic, and racial dynamics present in the lives of the characters.

1. Racial Injustice: The novel confronts the deep-rooted racial inequalities and systemic racism that persist in society. It addresses issues such as police brutality, racial profiling, and the unequal distribution of power, shedding light on the unequal treatment and discrimination faced by Black individuals.
2. Identity and Authenticity: The theme of identity is central to the story. The protagonist, Starr, grapples with the pressure to code-switch between her predominantly white school and her predominantly Black neighborhood. The novel explores the challenges of navigating multiple identities and the importance of embracing one's authentic self.
3. Voice and Activism: The power of using one's voice to speak out against injustice and effect change is a significant theme in the novel. Starr finds her voice and becomes an activist, challenging the silence and demanding accountability for the injustices she witnesses.
4. Family and Community: The importance of family and community support is a recurring theme. The novel explores the strength and resilience found within the Carter family and the wider community of Garden Heights, highlighting the power of unity and support in the face of adversity.
5. Empathy and Understanding: The novel emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding across racial and cultural lines. It encourages readers to step into the shoes of others, confront their biases, and strive for a more compassionate and inclusive society.

1. Symbolism: The novel utilizes symbolism to represent larger ideas and themes. For example, the title itself, "The Hate U Give," is a play on the acronym "THUG LIFE" popularized by Tupac Shakur. It symbolizes the cycle of violence and injustice perpetuated by society and the importance of breaking that cycle.
2. Imagery: The author skillfully uses vivid imagery to create a visual and emotional impact on the reader. One example is the description of Khalil's death scene, where the reader can feel the intensity of the moment and the emotions evoked by the tragedy.
3. Foreshadowing: The novel incorporates foreshadowing to hint at future events and build suspense. For instance, early in the story, Starr's father advises her on how to interact with the police, foreshadowing the pivotal role that police violence will play later in the narrative.
4. Flashbacks: Through the use of flashbacks, the author provides insights into the characters' past experiences, allowing the reader to understand their motivations and experiences. These flashbacks add depth to the characters and contribute to the overall narrative.

One example of its representation in media is the 2018 film adaptation directed by George Tillman Jr. The movie received critical acclaim for its faithful adaptation of the novel's themes and characters. It brought the story to a broader audience, allowing viewers to connect emotionally with the characters and the issues they face. The film's powerful performances and visual storytelling captured the essence of the novel, shedding light on the realities of racial inequality and police violence.
Another representation of "The Hate U Give" in media is through social media platforms. The hashtag #TheHateUGive gained traction, with readers and viewers sharing their thoughts, personal reflections, and discussions about the book and film. This online discourse provided a space for people to engage with the story's themes and share their own experiences related to racial injustice.

"The Hate U Give" has had a significant influence on both literature and society, inspiring important conversations and igniting a call for social change. The novel's impact stems from its unflinching portrayal of racial injustice, police brutality, and the power of activism.
One of the key influences of "The Hate U Give" is its ability to shed light on the experiences and perspectives of marginalized communities, particularly African Americans. Through the authentic voice of the protagonist, Starr Carter, the book provides a window into the struggles and resilience of individuals facing systemic racism.
The novel's impact extends beyond the literary world. It has become a rallying cry for social justice movements, sparking activism and raising awareness about police violence. The phrase "The Hate U Give Little Infants F*cks Everybody" (THUG LIFE), which inspired the book's title, has become a powerful slogan representing the interconnectedness of societal problems and the importance of addressing root causes.

"The Hate U Give" made a significant impact upon its release, spending over 80 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list. The book's success is attributed to its engaging narrative and its ability to tackle complex issues with sensitivity and authenticity.
It received widespread critical acclaim, winning numerous awards, including the Coretta Scott King Book Award and the William C. Morris Award for Best Debut Novel.
The novel's popularity extended beyond the literary world with a successful film adaptation released in 2018. The movie starred Amandla Stenberg as Starr Carter and received critical acclaim for its faithful adaptation and powerful performances. The film further amplified the book's message, reaching a broader audience and sparking important discussions about race and social justice.

"The Hate U Give" is a powerful and important novel that tackles relevant and urgent issues such as racial injustice, police brutality, and systemic oppression. It provides readers with a thought-provoking exploration of the African American experience and the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Writing an essay about "The Hate U Give" allows for a deeper analysis of these themes and their implications in society.
Through Starr's perspective, the book examines the emotional and psychological impact of racial trauma, the complexities of code-switching, and the importance of finding one's voice in the face of adversity.
Furthermore, "The Hate U Give" encourages critical reflection on systemic racism and the role of activism in effecting social change. By exploring the novel's characters, relationships, and events, an essay can delve into the broader societal implications of racial inequality and the power dynamics at play.

“What's the point of having a voice if you're gonna be silent in those moments you shouldn't be?”
“At an early age I learned that people make mistakes, and you have to decide if their mistakes are bigger than your love for them.”
“That's the problem. We let people say stuff, and they say it so much that it becomes okay to them and normal for us. What's the point of having a voice if you're gonna be silent in those moments you shouldn't be?”
“I can't change where I come from or what I've been through, so why should I be ashamed of what makes me, me?”
“Once you've seen how broken someone is it's like seeing them naked—you can't look at them the same anymore.”

1. Angie Thomas. (n.d.). The Hate U Give. Balzer + Bray.
2. Bell, E. (2018). Angie Thomas's The Hate U Give and the problem of radical empathy. Children's Literature in Education, 49(2), 127-138. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10583-018-9355-3
3. Crowe, C. (2018). "That's the point of it, huh? No matter what I do, the two halves of me are at war with each other": Code-switching as a strategy of self-representation in Angie Thomas's The Hate U Give. Children's Literature Association Quarterly, 43(1), 50-69. https://doi.org/10.1353/chq.2018.0002
4. Delgado, E. (2017). A revolution in YA publishing: Angie Thomas' The Hate U Give and the birth of a new activism. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 61(6), 653-657. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaal.784
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6. Ebersole, S. (2018). The Hate U Give and the function of the tragic mulatta. The ALAN Review, 45(3), 36-41. https://doi.org/10.21061/alan.v45i3.a.4
7. Hinton, S. E. (2017). The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. School Library Journal, 63(2), 88.
8. Osgerby, B. (2019). Angie Thomas's The Hate U Give and the history of the contemporary young adult novel. Children's Literature in Education, 50(2), 162-174. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10583-018-9381-1
9. Thomas, A. (2017). The Hate U Give. HarperCollins.
10. Wade, L., & Nourbese, D. P. (2019). "You can't have both": Double-consciousness, critical literacy, and The Hate U Give. Children's Literature in Education, 50(1), 35-49. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10583-018-9380-2