Frozen in the Present

Some Spoilers!

In the book “Th1rteen R3asons Why” by Jay Asher, Hannah Baker was a girl with many problems. She was always something to talk about in school. But, one thing that no one knew was that she was planning her death. I think that Hannah’s reasons for committing suicide where really complicated. She sent tapes to all those people who took a part in her suicide. Each reason she described in the tapes were very personal to the person she spoke about.

            Hannah was always talked about. She felt the need to isolate herself sometimes. Isolate from all the rumors. I think that If Clay, or someone had been able to keep up with her, they could have saved her from committing suicide. But still, Hannah had many problems she faced. So, to demonstrate those “responsible” for her death, she sent tapes; those tapes that would change each individual life forever. Each moment she shared with that certain person became the times she grew closer to her own death. Anxiety, anger, betrays, disbelief, and hurt; that was what every person in the tape had brought to her life. One over another until she could no longer sustain with all this swelled up in her. And what better way to release this emotions?  

Suicide was the best way out of the black hole that sucked her deeper and deeper. She no longer wanted to be humiliated by the rumors, nor be betrayed a best friend who believed rumors, but she also didn’t want to push away or be pushed away by the only person she could connect to. Yes, that is where Clay Jensen comes in to play. The tapes were to be heard at different locations. So, clay followed each location, one by one he discovered what each location contained. I think that what Hannah wanted to accomplish was very mysterious. She led each individual to the location where something had happened. Each location brought them deeper into the black hole she once was.

I think it was a really brilliant idea for the book cover to contain a replica map of the map that was described in the story. I wonder what would have changed if Clay had helped Hannah, and had gotten closer to her. Would she have changed her mind? I think if Clay had been more of a helpful person, and less nervous he could have helped her think of a way out of this stress that did not include committing suicide. But, another part of me says maybe she truly had no hope I herself. Even though if she had no hope, she could have tried again, one last time, for a hand to reach out and help her, instead of isolating herself from those around her.