literary analysis essay the hate u give

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Books — The Hate U Give

Essays on The Hate U Give

Hook examples for "the hate u give" essays, anecdotal hook.

Step into the shoes of Starr Carter as she navigates the complexities of identity, racism, and activism in "The Hate U Give."

Question Hook

What happens when a teenager witnesses a tragic act of police brutality? Explore the profound questions raised by Angie Thomas in her gripping novel.

Quotation Hook

"Sometimes you can do everything right and things will still go wrong. The key is to never stop doing right." — Angie Thomas, "The Hate U Give." Reflect on the powerful messages embedded in this quote.

Statistical or Factual Hook

"The Hate U Give" spent 80 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list and has been adapted into a critically acclaimed film. Explore the cultural impact of this work.

Definition Hook

What does it mean to be an activist in the face of injustice? Delve into the novel's portrayal of activism and social responsibility.

Rhetorical Question Hook

Can literature be a catalyst for change? Discover how "The Hate U Give" has sparked important conversations about race, inequality, and police violence.

Historical Hook

Explore the historical context of systemic racism in the United States and how it informs the events of "The Hate U Give."

Contrast Hook

Contrast Starr's two worlds: her predominantly black neighborhood and her predominantly white private school. This contrast drives the narrative's central conflict.

Narrative Hook

Follow Starr's journey as she finds her voice and confronts her fears, all while grappling with the legacy of Tupac Shakur's "THUG LIFE."

Shocking Statement Hook

Prepare to be shocked by the harsh realities and injustices depicted in "The Hate U Give." This story is a powerful wake-up call to the issues plaguing society.

Depiction of Racism and Injustive in "The Hate U Give"

The activism of black people in the hate u give, made-to-order essay as fast as you need it.

Each essay is customized to cater to your unique preferences

+ experts online

The Interpretation of Tragedy in The Hate U Give

The exposure of various social issues in the hate u give, themes of choice and perception in the hate u give, the other wes moore, and hillbilly elegy, "the hate u give": analysis of the theme of activism, let us write you an essay from scratch.

450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

The Hate U Give: Growing Up Black in a White World

Example of discrimsnation in the hate u give, literary analysis of the hate u give, the ban of the exceptional novel: "the hate u give", get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

Expert-written essays crafted with your exact needs in mind

Gender and Racial Discrimination on Example of "Hidden Figures" & "The Hate U Give"

Racial injustice in the hate u give, starr’s approach on the hate u give, social aspects of racial discrimination in the hate u give, choices and fate: the other wes moore and the hate u give, how to overcome struggles in life: bravery in the hate u give, the hate u give: an analytical exploration.

February 28, 2017, Angie Thomas

Bildungsroman; Young Adult Fiction

Starr Carter, Khalil Harris, Maverick “Big Mav” Carter, Lisa Carter, Uncle Carlos, Seven Carter, King, Chris, One-Fifteen, Hailey Grant, DeVAnte, Kenya

"The Hate U Give" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel by Angie Thomas. The story follows sixteen-year-old Starr Carter, who lives in a poor, predominantly Black neighborhood while attending a predominantly white private school. Starr's life takes a tragic turn when she witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood friend, Khalil, at the hands of a police officer. The incident sparks outrage and protest in her community, and Starr finds herself caught between two worlds as she navigates the aftermath. Haunted by the traumatic event, Starr becomes determined to speak up for Khalil and fight for justice. As she confronts systemic racism, police brutality, and the weight of her own voice, she finds herself torn between fear and the need to make a difference. With the support of her family and friends, Starr finds the courage to stand up against injustice, challenging the status quo and advocating for the truth.

"The Hate U Give" is set in the contemporary United States, primarily in the fictional neighborhood of Garden Heights, a predominantly Black and low-income community. Garden Heights is plagued by poverty, violence, and the constant presence of drugs. The neighborhood is characterized by its strong sense of community and resilience, with tight-knit families and a vibrant culture. In contrast, Starr Carter, the protagonist, attends Williamson Prep, a predominantly white private school located in a wealthier neighborhood. The school represents a stark contrast to Starr's home environment, with its privilege, affluence, and racial divide. The story also takes place in various other settings, including Starr's home, the Carter family's store, and the courtroom where the trial against the police officer unfolds. Each setting plays a significant role in depicting the stark differences in social, economic, and racial dynamics present in the lives of the characters.

1. Racial Injustice: The novel confronts the deep-rooted racial inequalities and systemic racism that persist in society. It addresses issues such as police brutality, racial profiling, and the unequal distribution of power, shedding light on the unequal treatment and discrimination faced by Black individuals. 2. Identity and Authenticity: The theme of identity is central to the story. The protagonist, Starr, grapples with the pressure to code-switch between her predominantly white school and her predominantly Black neighborhood. The novel explores the challenges of navigating multiple identities and the importance of embracing one's authentic self. 3. Voice and Activism: The power of using one's voice to speak out against injustice and effect change is a significant theme in the novel. Starr finds her voice and becomes an activist, challenging the silence and demanding accountability for the injustices she witnesses. 4. Family and Community: The importance of family and community support is a recurring theme. The novel explores the strength and resilience found within the Carter family and the wider community of Garden Heights, highlighting the power of unity and support in the face of adversity. 5. Empathy and Understanding: The novel emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding across racial and cultural lines. It encourages readers to step into the shoes of others, confront their biases, and strive for a more compassionate and inclusive society.

1. Symbolism: The novel utilizes symbolism to represent larger ideas and themes. For example, the title itself, "The Hate U Give," is a play on the acronym "THUG LIFE" popularized by Tupac Shakur. It symbolizes the cycle of violence and injustice perpetuated by society and the importance of breaking that cycle. 2. Imagery: The author skillfully uses vivid imagery to create a visual and emotional impact on the reader. One example is the description of Khalil's death scene, where the reader can feel the intensity of the moment and the emotions evoked by the tragedy. 3. Foreshadowing: The novel incorporates foreshadowing to hint at future events and build suspense. For instance, early in the story, Starr's father advises her on how to interact with the police, foreshadowing the pivotal role that police violence will play later in the narrative. 4. Flashbacks: Through the use of flashbacks, the author provides insights into the characters' past experiences, allowing the reader to understand their motivations and experiences. These flashbacks add depth to the characters and contribute to the overall narrative.

One example of its representation in media is the 2018 film adaptation directed by George Tillman Jr. The movie received critical acclaim for its faithful adaptation of the novel's themes and characters. It brought the story to a broader audience, allowing viewers to connect emotionally with the characters and the issues they face. The film's powerful performances and visual storytelling captured the essence of the novel, shedding light on the realities of racial inequality and police violence. Another representation of "The Hate U Give" in media is through social media platforms. The hashtag #TheHateUGive gained traction, with readers and viewers sharing their thoughts, personal reflections, and discussions about the book and film. This online discourse provided a space for people to engage with the story's themes and share their own experiences related to racial injustice.

"The Hate U Give" has had a significant influence on both literature and society, inspiring important conversations and igniting a call for social change. The novel's impact stems from its unflinching portrayal of racial injustice, police brutality, and the power of activism. One of the key influences of "The Hate U Give" is its ability to shed light on the experiences and perspectives of marginalized communities, particularly African Americans. Through the authentic voice of the protagonist, Starr Carter, the book provides a window into the struggles and resilience of individuals facing systemic racism. The novel's impact extends beyond the literary world. It has become a rallying cry for social justice movements, sparking activism and raising awareness about police violence. The phrase "The Hate U Give Little Infants F*cks Everybody" (THUG LIFE), which inspired the book's title, has become a powerful slogan representing the interconnectedness of societal problems and the importance of addressing root causes.

"The Hate U Give" made a significant impact upon its release, spending over 80 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list. The book's success is attributed to its engaging narrative and its ability to tackle complex issues with sensitivity and authenticity. It received widespread critical acclaim, winning numerous awards, including the Coretta Scott King Book Award and the William C. Morris Award for Best Debut Novel. The novel's popularity extended beyond the literary world with a successful film adaptation released in 2018. The movie starred Amandla Stenberg as Starr Carter and received critical acclaim for its faithful adaptation and powerful performances. The film further amplified the book's message, reaching a broader audience and sparking important discussions about race and social justice.

"The Hate U Give" is a powerful and important novel that tackles relevant and urgent issues such as racial injustice, police brutality, and systemic oppression. It provides readers with a thought-provoking exploration of the African American experience and the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Writing an essay about "The Hate U Give" allows for a deeper analysis of these themes and their implications in society. Through Starr's perspective, the book examines the emotional and psychological impact of racial trauma, the complexities of code-switching, and the importance of finding one's voice in the face of adversity. Furthermore, "The Hate U Give" encourages critical reflection on systemic racism and the role of activism in effecting social change. By exploring the novel's characters, relationships, and events, an essay can delve into the broader societal implications of racial inequality and the power dynamics at play.

“What's the point of having a voice if you're gonna be silent in those moments you shouldn't be?” “At an early age I learned that people make mistakes, and you have to decide if their mistakes are bigger than your love for them.” “That's the problem. We let people say stuff, and they say it so much that it becomes okay to them and normal for us. What's the point of having a voice if you're gonna be silent in those moments you shouldn't be?” “I can't change where I come from or what I've been through, so why should I be ashamed of what makes me, me?” “Once you've seen how broken someone is it's like seeing them naked—you can't look at them the same anymore.”

1. Angie Thomas. (n.d.). The Hate U Give. Balzer + Bray. 2. Bell, E. (2018). Angie Thomas's The Hate U Give and the problem of radical empathy. Children's Literature in Education, 49(2), 127-138. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10583-018-9355-3 3. Crowe, C. (2018). "That's the point of it, huh? No matter what I do, the two halves of me are at war with each other": Code-switching as a strategy of self-representation in Angie Thomas's The Hate U Give. Children's Literature Association Quarterly, 43(1), 50-69. https://doi.org/10.1353/chq.2018.0002 4. Delgado, E. (2017). A revolution in YA publishing: Angie Thomas' The Hate U Give and the birth of a new activism. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 61(6), 653-657. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaal.784 5. Donovan, L. (2019). Engaging with Angie Thomas's The Hate U Give: Teaching social justice through young adult literature. The ALAN Review, 46(3), 13-22. https://doi.org/10.21061/alan.v46i3.a.3 6. Ebersole, S. (2018). The Hate U Give and the function of the tragic mulatta. The ALAN Review, 45(3), 36-41. https://doi.org/10.21061/alan.v45i3.a.4 7. Hinton, S. E. (2017). The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. School Library Journal, 63(2), 88. 8. Osgerby, B. (2019). Angie Thomas's The Hate U Give and the history of the contemporary young adult novel. Children's Literature in Education, 50(2), 162-174. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10583-018-9381-1 9. Thomas, A. (2017). The Hate U Give. HarperCollins. 10. Wade, L., & Nourbese, D. P. (2019). "You can't have both": Double-consciousness, critical literacy, and The Hate U Give. Children's Literature in Education, 50(1), 35-49. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10583-018-9380-2

Relevant topics

The Yellow Wallpaper
The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas
All Summer in a Day
A Modest Proposal
Lamb to The Slaughter
Hills Like White Elephants
A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings
All Quiet on The Western Front
A Farewell to Arms

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

Instructions Followed To The Letter
Deadlines Met At Every Stage
Unique And Plagiarism Free

Themes and Analysis

The hate u give, by angie thomas.

The book, ‘The Hate U Give’ isn’t just a book that some people are forced to read in English class, but instead a book that can teach you valuable lessons applicable to our lives. The lessons can be found in the themes.

Article written by Ugo Juliet

Former Lecturer. Author of multiple books. Degree from University Of Nigeria, Nsukka.

The themes of a story are the deeper meanings and truth that the book reveals. Sometimes they are easily found like this book, but other times, you have read it many times before you can find it. ‘ The Hate U Give ’ by Angie Thomas is a story for a young adult novel . It is about the life of 16-year-old Starr Carter, a young girl who witnesses the death of Khalil Harris, her childhood best friend. An unarmed Khalil was shot and killed by a white police officer, showing irresponsibility and police brutality present in many African-American communities.

Most school teachers are teaching the novel ‘ The Hate U Give ’ this school year because the themes and events that take place in the novel connect to the society we live in today. There are so many themes that can be found in the book like police brutality, identity, and double consciousness. Here are some of them.

‘ The Hate U Give ’ Themes

Police brutality.

The leader of the drug gang in Garden Heights, King, constantly warns Starr not to speak up about this incident in order for his business to remain secretive. In the book, you see Garden Heights, the fictional neighborhood, isn’t the best place to be but they don’t usually call the cops. Many people believe that the novel would be a catalyst for deeper questioning and engaging class discussions.

It is also believed that students will inevitably generate concern for relevant issues like police brutality that the book revolves around. Khalil’s death put Starr in a dilemma with the tough decision of either speaking up against police brutality or keeping quiet to ensure that King doesn’t come after her and her family. King takes advantage of the protest and riots to set Mavericks (Starr’s father) ‘s store on fire with both Starr and Seven (Maverick’s son) inside.

In the novel, Starr was confused, mad, and felt very lonely because she couldn’t understand her struggle. She tried rebelling and wanted to defend not only her beliefs but others ’ beliefs as well. King was arrested at the end of the book after being snitched on by neighbors, and the Carter family moved into a new house in a safer neighborhood. Also, Starr makes a promise to continue fighting against injustice and to never stay silent again.

Identity and Double-Consciousness

In an 1897 article in the Atlantic, W.E.B. Du Bois, a sociologist noted that he felt a “two-ness” came from seeing himself through the eyes of others. In ‘ The Hate U Give ’, the author increases Starr’s dilemma by having her dramatically move between two worlds – the neighborhood where she lives, African American Garden Heights, and the school environment, white Williamson Prep.

With her friends from Garden Heights, Starr uses slang, liberally uses ghetto languages, and topics like “stank-eye, gangbanging.” With her friends from school, she is careful to always use proper English and watches her tone so no one can dismiss her as an “angry black girl.” She learned early on, when she tried to have a slumber party with both sets of friends that the two worlds do not mesh, and she finds it exhausting to keep up two separate personas.

Starr, trying to be acceptable to both worlds, causes an identity crisis that prevents her from being her real self and truly connecting with others. She wishes she could be like Will, the main character in the 90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, whom she believes acted true to himself despite attending a fancy school. Starr and her white boyfriend, Chris, share a fondness for the sitcom and can recite entire episodes to each other. Still, Starr does not feel safe enough with Chris to reveal her trauma over the deaths of Natasha and Khalil. When Chris confronts her at prom about being the witness to Khalil’s death, it is a watershed moment for Starr.

The Pervasiveness of Racism

Khalil is a victim of thug life both in life and death. A lack of economic opportunity in their town led to his drug dealing. After his death, racial profiling led to his being blamed for his own murder. As Khalil’s friend and the witness to his shooting, Starr has to navigate the overt racism of One-Fifteen and the people who justify and guard him. And as an African American pupil in a predominately white school, Starr has to cope with each day’s microaggressions from human beings like Hailey, who refuse to renowned their white privilege.

One-Fifteen symbolizes the regular chance of police brutality in opposition to African Americans. Although he’s slightly gifted as a character, he looms over the complete narrative. One-Fifteen pulls the young adults over due to a damaged taillight. However, he’s unnecessarily competitive in the direction of Khalil, assuming Khalil is as much as not real due to the fact he’s African American.

In a TV interview, One-Fifteen’s father characterizes his son as “afraid for his life” for the duration of his come across with the young adults, whilst in fact, Starr and Khalil posed no threat to him. One-Fifteen’s father additionally paints his son as a type of white savior, nobly risking himself “to make a distinction withinside the lives” of the citizens of Garden Heights. Starr calls this mindset out as no exceptional from how slave masters notion they were “saving African Americans from their ‘wild African ways.” Because of a justice gadget stacked in opposition to African Americans, One-Fifteen suffers no effects for killing an unarmed teen.

Hailey casually throws cruel comments toward Starr and Maya, and she refuses to acknowledge that she has done anything wrong, even when directly challenged. Instead, she makes her feel guilty and turns their argument around, and in the process, making herself a victim instead of a perpetrator. Thomas shows how this is a kind of gaslighting that makes Hailey’s victims question themselves so she can retain the moral high ground and maintain the status quo.

The Defeating Cycle of Poverty

The truth of Khalil’s character is at the forefront of Starr’s mind and thus becomes one of the focal points of Thomas’s narrative. Thomas investigates the crushing cycle of poverty through Khalil’s life and death, the way it limits choices for African Americans, and how their crimes provide justification for white people to continue to dismiss and oppress them.

Starr and Khalil have known each other since they were kids her babysitter, Ms. Rosalie, is Khalil’s grandmother. Although they have drifted apart since Starr started attending Williamson Prep, she trusts him enough to get in his car without a second thought when shots ring out at a party in Garden Heights. She is sure that One-Fifteen murdered him, as he did nothing wrong.

However, Starr finds herself conflicted and wondering how much she can defend someone who dealt drugs and may have been a gang member. In fact, she denies knowing him when her friends at Williamson prep dismiss him as a thug. When she hears One-Fifteen’s father lying about Khalil and painting him as a threat to his son’s life, Starr realizes she must speak for Khalil and let people know the true story, that Khalil is as much a victim of institutionalized racism as he is of One-Fifteen’s gun.

Khalil earned some money at Maverick’s store, but his grandmother’s cancer treatments became unmanageable. She wonders if this makes her a thug, too, providing justification for white people to kill her as well. Starr knows she is lucky to have two parents who are loving and gainfully employed and who have successfully escaped the depressing cycle of poverty. She knows that most people in Garden Heights are not so lucky, and it is up to her and those like her to help out in any way possible.

Analysis of Key Moments in ‘ The Hate U Give ’

There are various major events that happened in the novel. Here are some of the most notable ones.

The teens at a party at Greater heights where gunshots were heard.
The shooting of Khalil at the traffic stop by One-Fifteen.
After the shooting of her friend, Khalil, by the police; Starr gained the firmness f mind within herself to testify before a grand jury to seek justice for his death.
Starr made a decision not to keep silent anymore and agreed to testify before the grand jury.
Starr gives a statement to the police about what happened, after One-Fifteen shoots Khalil.
Starr testifies in front of the grand jury, and this finally brings to light the full truth of what happened the night of Khalil death. After this testimony, Starr decides that she will do all she can do to seek justice for Khalil.
The grand jury did not indict One-Fifteen.
Starr and her friends hide at her family store, but King burns the store by tossing a Molotov cocktail into the store and burns it down. The neighbors reported to the police that it was King who started the fire, which led to his arrest.

Style, Tone, and Figurative Language in ‘ The Hate U Give ’

The author used the first-person viewpoint throughout the story. Angie used the sarcastic, witty, and upbeat social commentary of the protagonist to give the novel an optimistic tone in the face of tragedy. Yet, there is an atmosphere of indignation in the book, which is directed at the oppressive systems in society. The characters in ‘ The Hate U Give’ have to fight against the system each and every day.

The major clash in the story is between Starr and herself as she struggles to speak up and fight for her friend, Khalil. Another major conflict is the one between the book’s African-American characters and the racism and brutality they face in their lives.

There is foreshadowing in the book when Starr shows concern over what to do if a police car stops her. This was a foreshadowing of Khalil’s later shooting. The intrinsic bad feeling that Starr and Lisa got about the police investigation into the case of Officer One-Fifteen is another foreshadowing of the jury’s decision not to prosecute the police officer.

Analysis of the Symbols

Khalil’s hairbrush.

Khalil’s hairbrush is similar to Khalil. This is because of the significance attached to a black teenager in such a neighborhood. The hairbrush looks dangerous to a cop who racially profiles, even though it is not. Therefore, the hairbrush represents the racist assumptions that white people make about African Americans.

An activist, Ms. Ofrah, informs Starr and her parents that officer Cruise mistook Khalil’s hairbrush for a gun because “the handle was thick enough, black enough, for him to assume it was a gun.” Maverick points out that Khalil was black too, suggesting that One-Fifteen only “saw” a gun because he expected one to be there. One-Fifteen, like other white police officers who monitor the black neighborhoods, makes the racist assumption that an African American teen who tries to resist them must be a criminal.

One-Fifteen

One-fifteen is the badge number of the cop who killed Khalil. In the novel, it is a symbol of unrestrained police brutality towards African Americans. Starr kept referring to the officer as “One-Fifteen,” instead of his real name because of two main things. First, Starr said she learned to get the badge number of any cop she interacted with because she was told about the police from her juvenile age.

Starr and other children in the African American neighborhood are taught early how to avoid confrontation with the police. This is because they are much more likely to be harassed by police because of racial profiling. So they are taught to always cooperate and never make any sudden movements in order to stay safe. The second thing is that by not referring to One-Fifteen by his given name, Starr is refusing to make him human or sympathize with him. She puts the focus squarely where it should be: on his victim, Khalil Harris.

How many times did Khalil get shot?

The police officer that killed Khalil shot him three times. He felt he was grabbing a gun and shoots Khalil immediately, killing him. The only reason Starr agrees to go to an interview with police about the shooting is because of the encouragement by her detective Uncle.

What does Khalil’s hairbrush represent?

Khalil’s Hairbrush is one of the symbols in the book. The hairbrush represents two things. The first thing is the blinding power of a racist system. The second thing is the senselessness of racism. One-Fifteen alleges that he shot Khalil because he mistook his hairbrush for a gun.

Why did One-fifteen pull Khalil over?

According to the police officer, One-Fifteen, Khalil was pulled over because of a broken taillight. He asks them where they are coming from, to which Khalil responds with “nunya.” One-Fifteen demands that Khalil gets out of the car, pins his arm behind his back, and proceeds to search him.

What does One-Fifteen symbolize in ‘ The Hate U Give ’ ?

One-Fifteen, the badge number of the cop who murders Khalil, is another symbol in ‘ The Hate U Give ’ . It symbolizes unfettered police brutality against African Americans. One-Fifteen becomes a symbol for the larger issue of institutional racism because white parents never have to give their white children this safety talk.

What is a symbol in ‘ The Hate U Give ?’

There are two main symbols in the book. They are Khalil hairbrush and One-Fifteen, the police officer. One of the protest chants was that ‘A hairbrush is not a gun!’, in protest of the shooting of Khalil under the guise of him having a gun and the anger felt by the African-American community.

Join Book Analysis for Free!

Exclusive to Members

Save Your Favorites

Free newsletter, comment with literary experts.

About Ugo Juliet

Juliet Ugo is an experienced content writer and a literature expert with a passion for the written word with over a decade of experience. She is particularly interested in analyzing books, and her insightful interpretations of various genres have made her a well-known authority in the field.

About the Book

Discover the secrets to learning and enjoying literature.

Join Book Analysis

Ask LitCharts AI
Discussion Question Generator
Essay Prompt Generator
Quiz Question Generator

Literature Guides
Poetry Guides
Shakespeare Translations
Literary Terms

The Hate U Give

Angie thomas.

Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on Angie Thomas's The Hate U Give . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

The Hate U Give: Introduction

The hate u give: plot summary, the hate u give: detailed summary & analysis, the hate u give: themes, the hate u give: quotes, the hate u give: characters, the hate u give: terms, the hate u give: symbols, the hate u give: theme wheel, brief biography of angie thomas.

Historical Context of The Hate U Give

Other books related to the hate u give.

Full Title: The Hate U Give
When Written: 2017
Where Written: Jackson, Mississippi, U.S.
When Published: February 28, 2017
Literary Period: Contemporary
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Setting: The lower-class, predominantly black neighborhood of Garden Heights and the upper-crust world of Williamson Prep.
Climax: Starr and her neighbors embrace the power of their voices to create change; Starr defends Khalil’s life at the protests following the indictment verdict, while Garden Heights residents tell police that King set fire to Maverick’s store.
Antagonist: One-Fifteen, King
Point of View: First person