The Hate U Give

621 Words2 Pages

In The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, the power of language is very important. Starr, the main character realizes that her silence is not productive and if she wants to make a change, she needs to speak out in Khalil’s defense because language is very influential. Starr finding her voice was part of her overall finding her identity. Throughout the book, Starr moved between her two different worlds, Williamson and Garden Heights. She was often ashamed of Garden Heights and liked to keep her two words separate. Kenya, who Starr shares a brother with, finds fault with Starr’s silence, and recognizes how that is tied to the shame of being associated with a drug dealer. Eventually, Starr speaks out for Khalil, which lets go of that shame and acknowledges …show more content…

Tonight, they shot me, too, more than once, and killed a part of me. Unfortunately for them, it’s the part that felt any hesitation about speaking out” (Thomas 247). This shows that after all the pain and suffering she has endured throughout the book, she is finally determined to speak out for Khalil, which also shows her character growth. This quote also displays Starr’s new refusal to be silenced and intimidated by the trauma that has been inflicted on her throughout the book. Starr’s voice gives her the strength to take social action. All of Starr’s anger and determination throughout the book eventually gave her the courage to speak out during a protest. Starr’s attorney, Ms Ofrah, asks her “‘Who says talking isn;t doing something?’ she says. It’s more productive than silence. Remember what I told you about your voice?’” (Thomas 410). Starr goes on to say that Ms Ofrah had told her that her voice was her biggest weapon. Starr standing on top of the patrol car and speaking out is a big moment for her, as she is taking social action for Khalil, and it represents the power of language. Starr's words about how Khalil’s life mattered and how he lived asserts her action and shows that she will not be silenced by

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