“Thirteen Reasons Why” by Jay Asher is a novel that has sparked considerable debate, particularly regarding its portrayal of teen suicide. As someone who found significant issues with the book, this review will delve into why “Thirteen Reasons Why” not only falls short but also potentially perpetuates harmful myths about suicide.
At its core, my primary contention with “Thirteen Reasons Why” is its glamorization of suicide. While many readers and critics have praised the book for its supposed realism in depicting teen suicide, I argue that it inadvertently creates a romanticized narrative that can be detrimental, especially to vulnerable young readers. This isn’t to accuse Jay Asher of intentionally promoting suicide, but to examine the unintended, yet problematic, consequences of the story’s construction.
The Glamorous Monument of Hannah’s Suicide
The entire premise of “Thirteen Reasons Why” revolves around Hannah Baker’s suicide tapes. This very structure elevates her act to a dramatic, almost performative level. The tapes themselves become a monument to her pain and her decision, casting Hannah as the central figure even in death. This narrative framework risks positioning suicide as a powerful act of revenge or a means to achieve lasting impact.
For teenagers already grappling with emotional distress, the notion that suicide can lead to such profound and lasting consequences on those who have caused pain can be dangerously appealing. The book feeds into the misconception that “they’ll be sorry when I’m gone,” a thought that, while perhaps fleeting for some, can be intensely reinforced by narratives like “Thirteen Reasons Why.”
It’s crucial to understand that pain, no matter how intense, is temporary. Experiences such as depression, grief, or physical pain feel endless in the moment, but they do subside. Strength, bravery, and honesty are essential to navigate these dark times, and there is always a future where the present pain becomes a memory. This fundamental truth is overshadowed by the narrative of “Thirteen Reasons Why,” where suicide is presented not as a last resort but as a climactic, transformative act.
Encouraging a Dangerous Line of Thinking
“Thirteen Reasons Why” inadvertently encourages a dangerous line of thinking by portraying Hannah’s suicide as a catalyst for change and revelation. Hannah’s tapes are designed to make the thirteen individuals she names confront their roles in her decision. Upon her death, Hannah becomes a romanticized figure, a tragic heroine who, from beyond the grave, forces accountability and extracts remorse.
This narrative arc is problematic because it suggests that suicide can be an effective way to teach lessons and elicit regret from others. In reality, suicide is final. It’s not a dramatic exit that forces others to confront their actions in a way that brings satisfaction to the deceased. The person who dies is simply gone, missing out on any future, any chance for happiness, any opportunity for resolution. Life continues for those left behind, and while they may experience grief or guilt, the deceased is no longer present to witness or be affected by these reactions.
The book hints at positive outcomes resulting from Hannah’s death – characters might learn to be kinder, injustices are exposed – but these are all framed as consequences of her suicide. This reinforces the idea that Hannah, through her death, achieves a form of agency and control that she lacked in life. She becomes the agent of change, the “avenging angel,” a trope that dangerously romanticizes suicide.
The Unsympathetic and Implausible Hannah Baker
Beyond the glorification of suicide, another significant issue lies in the characterization of Hannah Baker. While intended to be a victim of circumstance and teenage cruelty, Hannah often comes across as unsympathetic and, at times, even unlikeable. This is not to diminish the pain she experiences, but to critique the way her character is written and how it impacts the overall message of the book.
One particularly jarring example is Hannah’s passive inaction during Jessica’s assault. Hannah witnesses the event while hiding and does nothing to intervene. While fear or shock could explain her initial paralysis, the book fails to address Hannah’s subsequent guilt or remorse adequately. Instead, Hannah focuses solely on her own feelings of victimhood, seemingly oblivious to Jessica’s trauma.
Adding insult to injury, Hannah includes Jessica on her tapes, blaming her as one of the “reasons why.” This act is not only unsympathetic but also illogical and cruel. Jessica, already a victim of assault, is further victimized by Hannah’s tapes, forced to relive a traumatic experience and grapple with the guilt of being named as a reason for Hannah’s suicide. This portrayal makes it difficult to see Hannah solely as a victim; she also exhibits traits of a perpetrator, inflicting pain on others even as she claims to be wronged.
Furthermore, Hannah’s reasons for suicide often feel disproportionate to the consequences she inflicts. While teenage experiences can be intensely emotional, some of Hannah’s grievances seem trivial in the context of suicide. This unevenness in the “reasons why” dilutes the impact of the more serious issues and contributes to the sense that Hannah’s reaction is melodramatic and self-absorbed.
Illogical Plot and Mixed Messages
The narrative structure of “Thirteen Reasons Why,” with its cassette tapes and chain-letter format, also presents illogical elements. The idea that individuals responsible for varying degrees of “crimes” against Hannah would willingly pass on the tapes, potentially incriminating themselves and others, stretches credulity. The motivation for some to participate in this chain, especially those with more serious offenses to hide, is weak.
The book attempts to address the gravity of suicide and the importance of seeking help, but these messages are often undermined by the central narrative. By making Hannah’s suicide the driving force for change and revelation, the book inadvertently suggests that suicide is a viable, albeit tragic, solution. The warnings and helpline information feel like lip service when the core story romanticizes the very act it claims to condemn.
Conclusion
“Thirteen Reasons Why” by Jay Asher, while intending to shed light on the complexities of teen suicide and bullying, ultimately falls short. Its glamorization of suicide, coupled with the unsympathetic portrayal of Hannah Baker and illogical plot elements, creates a problematic narrative that can be more harmful than helpful. Instead of offering a realistic and nuanced depiction of mental health struggles, “Thirteen Reasons Why” risks perpetuating dangerous myths and romanticizing a tragic act. For readers seeking a genuine understanding of teen mental health and suicide, it is essential to look beyond “Thirteen Reasons Why” to resources and narratives that offer more responsible and empathetic perspectives.
