In the realistic fiction novel, Thirteen Reasons Why written by Jay Asher, Hannah Baker is your average new freshman that just moved into town. She’s a simple girl at heart that admires candy, hot chocolate, and writing poetry. However, things are put into a different perspective when she meets Clay Jensen; reputations and relationships will be disheartened. Thirteen audio tapes are sent to those who caused her pain, misery and consequently her death. They will soon discover that Hannah’s accidental death wasn’t so accidental.
In Thirteen Reasons Why, Hannah Baker could be peceived as a vengeful person. This is because the audio tapes that Hannah sends aren’t used for self-reflection. Instead, she sends the tapes to put her listeners in her shoes and to show them how it feels to be accused of things that aren’t true. This justifies how her problems cannot be solved. For example, when Hannah confronts Jessica in her tape, she questions Jessica and the rest of the people involved if they have noticed the scars they have left behind because most of them aren’t seen by the naked eye.
Another trait that Hannah posesses is to be secretive. No one mentioned in the story really knew how she felt because she conceals her feelings and intentions. But, the reason that she kept her thoughts and emotions to herself was because it could’ve spread to more rumors. For example, Hannah left an anonymous note in her peer communications class to be discussed the next day. Usually, when notes are left, it’s an open discussion without having the person to be disclosed. However, when the topic of suicide was brought up, everyone assumed that they only left that note for attention.
Lastly, Hannah Baker is described as obstinate. She refuses to take other people’s advice to give her the reassurance and closure she wanted to hear. Despite Clay’s attempts to try and talk to her, she always tends to shut people out and wallow in self-pity. For instance, she only cares about getting her point across about why she killed herself and was determined to accomplish her goal. Hannah is seen as obstinate because in page 8 of the book she says, “The rules are simple. There are only two. Rule number one: You listen. Number two: You pass it on. Hopefully; neither one will be easy for you,” and continued on page 10 Hannah states,
“In case you’re tempted to break the rules, understand that I did make a copy of these tapes. Those copies will be released in a very public manner if this package doesn’t make it through all of you. This was not a spur-of-the-moment decision. Do not take me for granted… again. You are being watched.”
In conclusion, Hannah Baker, from the realistic fiction novel, Thirteen Reasons Why written by Jay Asher, has a compelling message to convey to her listeners on why they caused her misery and death. Although, she seems like a normal teenager who seems to have the perfect life; in reality, she’s going through a tough time that no one could ever imagine. Resulting in her becoming a vengeful, secretive, and an obstinate person.
