The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas Literary Analysis Essay Example

The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas, is a very powerful novel. There are many different themes throughout the book that can be seen. Those themes have great meanings and should be recognized while reading the book. While there are many important themes shown throughout the book, code-switching is very important and present. Even though it is how people fit in, code-switching can lead to stressful and uncomfortable situations because you aren’t your true self and you have to monitor everything you do or say.

In the novel, there are many different characters who code-switch but the main one is Starr Carter. She also does it on multiple occasions. The obvious one is that there are two different Starrs. One for Garden Heights, and one for Williamson Prep. When Starr is in Garden Heights, she doesn’t have to worry about what she says, how she acts, or what she wears. That is how everyone else is, that is their normal. However, when she is at Williamson Prep she watches the way she speaks, dresses to “impress” and behaves well. When she is at Williamson, she is code-switching. She is being another version of herself. This can create some uncomfortable problems. For example, when people at Williamson Prep are going to protest for “Khalils death” Hailey comments, “Perfect timing too. I so did not study for that English exam. This is, like, the first time Remy actually came up with a good idea to get out of class. I mean, it’s kinda messed up that we’re protesting a drug dealer’s death, but-”. Starr has to decide how she is going to handle the situation, and for once she lets her Williamson Starr leave. She finally talks back to Hailey and calls her out for what she said. She doesn’t think about what she is saying and how people are going to react. This is only one occurrence where Hailey has said something inconsiderate.

Another major time when code-switching is present is when Starr speaks to the jury and explains what happened that night. Already she is in a tough position, but then they start asking her questions. Right off the bat, she is nervous. She keeps leaning into the mic, even though it isn’t doing anything, and keeps nodding her head instead of verbally answering. However, when she is answering the questions, Starrs response is always “Yes, ma’am.” Unless someone has over-the-top manners, you normally wouldn’t respond to basic questions like that. She is code-switching. She is making herself sound more professional and trustworthy by respecting the others in the room.

Both of the examples above are great examples of code-switching in the book. Each situation creates an uncomfortable feeling and Starr has to figure out how to overcome those emotions. Just like in the book, everyday people code-switch without knowing. Whether they talk differently to their friends versus their family, or if they dress a certain way when they go to work or school, that is code-switching and everyone does it. While code-switching can create uncomfortable or stressful situations, just like in the book and real life, it is how people fit it and we can’t change it.