Theme of Choice in The Hate U Give Essay Example

Change begins with a choice. A recurring theme in some, if not all of Angie Thomas’s books. But what if you don’t have a choice? What if the choice that sets you forward also holds you back? The Hate U Give, one of Thomas’s most prominent works, ponders this inquisition time and time again. Except for a select few who are educated on the dangers of single stories, many of the characters in The Hate U Give routinely single story friends, family, media, and even strangers- because of the traumas they have experienced. There seems to be no escape to this hollow shell of an idea that’s been made of them. The Hate U Give adheres to the idea that the failure to recognize a character’s potential choices or lack thereof is detrimental to their development as well as their potential to perceive themselves either ‘at risk’ or ‘at promise.’ 

The consequences received by the characters in The Hate U Give are based on the privilege they have which often stems from their race, sex, or financial status. Characters like Hailey receive little to no consequences for her actions due to her being wealthy and white. Despite telling Starr to “pretend the basketball is fried chicken” she receives no repercussions from the school in spite of her racist remark. Contrary to Hailey, characters like Devante have to choose between supporting family or being put on King’s Hitlist, to which he chose the latter, resulting in him possibly having life threatening consequences if not for Maverick and Carlos’s intervention. Between a wealthy white teen who goes to Williamson Prep and a black teen who lives in Garden Heights and has no choice but to sell drugs to support his family—Who sees themselves at risk and at promise? Who has the privilege to be more careless about their choices?

Based on what we know, can we really fault Devante for choosing to become a drug dealer? 

Choices made in The Hate U Give never have completely positive outcomes. As Starr gains the courage to speak up for herself and for Khalil at the interview, it is met with her safety being put at risk when a brick is thrown through the window of her home. Though distressing, this action is the catalyst for Starr and her family consequently moving out of Garden Heights and into a safer environment. The moment when Starr punches Hailey in the face is a core moment that shows Starr finally standing up against Hailey’s racism and leads to Starr and seven becoming suspended. This moment also establishes her character from that point on not as ‘Garden Heights Starr’ nor ‘Williamson Starr’ but as ‘I am not afraid to stand up for who I am and what I believe in’ Starr. What The Hate U Give Is trying to show readers is that there are no right or wrong choices, it’s up to you to prove it right or wrong. 

The choices a character makes in The Hate U Give determines their future actions and development. As Devante chose to ask Maverick and Carlos for help, he allowed himself to receive support and be brought into a safer environment in order to continue his education. Though Hailey decides to apologize to Starr, Starr chooses to not associate herself with Hailey’s toxicity and releases a weight from her shoulders. 

Rather than choices, it is the consequences that follow the choices that are a big part of The Hate U Give. Choices are the catalyst that leads to the conclusion, which is why they’re such a vital part of a character’s development.