Thirteen Reasons Why Themes

Thirteen Reasons Why Themes

Actions Have Consequences

Thirteen Reasons Why is thematically quite complex and multi-faceted. Themes, as embodied and defined by the actions and attitudes of the characters, and the way they're all described, intertwine and interrelate and also, at times, seem to be contradicting themselves and each other. The most apparent theme, manifesting on several levels throughout the work, is the idea that actions have consequences. Hannah's intent in writing and distributing the tapes is, to a significant degree, clearly grounded in her belief that this is in fact the case. Her situation, as she sees it, is a direct result of what people have done and/or said to her (whether with deliberate intent to hurt or not), and that they ought to know exactly how they affected and/or damaged her. There is, however, a significant irony associated with these actions. In making and distributing the tapes, and in speaking as bluntly as she...
(read more)