Hannah Baker's Character Analysis
This section provides an in-depth analysis of Hannah Baker's character based on pages 26-33 of "13 Reasons Why". It explores her personality traits, relationships, and the way she presents herself through the tapes she leaves behind.
Personality Traits
Hannah Baker exhibits a range of personality traits that contribute to her complex character:
- Teasing and Strong-minded: Hannah's tendency to tease others, particularly Justin, demonstrates her strong-willed nature (p.26).
Example: Hannah makes fun of Justin, showcasing her playful yet assertive personality.
- Manipulative and Guilt-inducing: Hannah uses rhetorical questions and indirect statements to trigger feelings of guilt in her listeners (p.32, p.33).
Quote: "Damn it, you were going to kiss the hell out of me whether you liked it or not" (p.30)
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Observant and Analytical: Hannah's detailed comparisons between her old and new towns, as well as her analysis of her first kiss, reveal her keen observational skills (p.28).
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Imaginative: Her vivid dreams and ability to put herself in her listeners' shoes demonstrate Hannah's strong imagination (p.29, p.33).
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Overthinking and Direct: Hannah's numerous questions and need for answers show her tendency to overthink, while also highlighting her direct nature (p.31).
Highlight: Hannah's overthinking is evident in her detailed analysis of situations and her need for clarity.
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Open and Honest: Despite her struggles, Hannah openly shares positive aspects of her interactions, such as Justin's kindness (p.33).
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Self-ironic: Hannah uses self-irony to cope with misconceptions about her character (p.27).
Quote: "I know what you're all thinking. Hannah Baker is a slut. [...]" (p.27)
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Homesick and Nostalgic: Hannah often thinks about her old town, indicating feelings of homesickness (p.28).
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Expressive: Hannah's inability to control her facial expressions when happy shows her open nature (p.31).
Relationships
Hannah's relationships are complex and often guarded:
- Difficult relationship with her mother due to lack of trust (p.26).
- Keeps friends at a distance, using teasing as a defense mechanism (p.26).
- Opens up more in the tapes, knowing she has nothing to lose (p.33).
Hannah's Portrayal Through the Tapes
The tapes reveal additional aspects of Hannah's character:
- Anger: Clay notices Hannah's anger while recording the tapes (p.28).
- Vulnerability: Hannah shares more personal information in the tapes than she did in life.
- Manipulation: She uses the tapes to control her narrative and influence her listeners' emotions.
Vocabulary: Rhetorical questions - Questions asked for effect or to emphasize a point, rather than to elicit an answer.
This analysis provides insight into Hannah Baker's personality type, revealing a complex individual struggling with internal conflicts and external pressures. Her character raises important questions about perception, guilt, and the impact of seemingly small actions on a person's life.
