Comparing Hate U Give And The White Tiger

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In a world where one's social standing often determines dreams, the struggle to transcend societal barriers is a relentless pursuit fraught with peril and hope. In “The White Tiger” by Aravind Adiga and “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas, both authors explore themes of social hierarchy and inequality, demonstrating how an unequal society hinders individuals from achieving success. Both main characters have critical perspectives on society and strive to break the social norms. Through their journeys, each novel presents different approaches and outcomes for navigating and challenging these systemic barriers. In both books, the authors depict the main characters as possessing a keen understanding of the social system, utilizing their mental, …show more content…

In “The White Tiger”, Balram kills his master, Mr. Ashok, and justifies his action by saying, “All I wanted was the chance to be a man—and for that, one murder was enough”. It shows that in the journey of Balram ends up with killing Mr. Ashok and stealing his money to live like Mr. Ashok. The acknowledgment that "one murder was enough" reveals Balram’s belief that murder was necessary to achieve his dream, reflecting his self-rationality and the moral compromises he is willing to make. Balram’s actions and rationalizations imply that he believes that living in such a society requires extreme measures to achieve his dreams. It shows that Balram thinks that it is impossible to change the entire society to make it fair for everyone; hence Balram decides to change himself to fit the mold of society and becomes as successful as Mr. Ashok. Balram’s character embodies ruthless individualism, demonstrating that he views personal success as paramount, even if it demands significant ethical sacrifices. It represents that “The White Tiger” focuses more on individualism for being successful in an unequal society. On the other hand, “The Hate U Give” more focused on collectivism. When Starr reflects on her journey in changing society’s perspective, she states “People are realizing and shouting and marching and demanding. They're not forgetting to be. I think that's the most important part.” This realization comes during her participation in protests for black rights, emphasizing the importance of remembering those who sacrificed, including her friend Khalil, to change societal perceptions. Unlike Balram, Starr does not seek personal advancement at the expense of others; instead, she is driven by a sense of duty to her community. Starr believes that world and societal change can completely eliminate the innocent deaths and

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