Themes In Thirteen Reasons Why

In the novel Thirteen Reasons Why, there are themes that teenagers can relate to in the real world. Death, guilt, and betrayal are what teens experience in high school. Hannah’s death impacted many of the students at her school, including a boy named Clay who receives the tapes he was given.

Death is a recurring theme in the story. The death of Hannah Baker is a main one, but we can also see minor ones, like the car accident Hannah and her friend caused. Clay is crushed by the loss of her, "I'm listening to someone give up. Someone I knew. Someone I liked. I'm listening but I'm still too late." (Asher). Although death is a strong theme in the story, life is also one as well. After Clay listens to the tapes, he decides to talk to Skye Miller, someone who may be considering suicide. Death is also a topic in real life people relate to. “Suicide is the leading cause of death in teens. Some leave notes to explain. Others exit leaving only their bodies behind.” Kellerman said. It is a topic that teens need to cope with, and the theme can help relate readers to the real world.
She even says so in the beginning of the story, “I hope you're ready, because I'm about to tell you the story of my life. More specifically, why my life ended. And if you're listening to these tapes, you're one of the reasons why.” (Asher). It works and guilts Clay himself, worrying about what he has ever done to her. “The intent of Hannah's tapes is to send all the recipients on a giant guilt trip, trips most people aren't willing to take.” Marler said. People in real life are not willing to go through the amount of guilt Hannah puts them