Perspectives

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Historical perspective

Although The Hate U Give is most focused on the current issues that African Americans face in the US, most of these issues have their root in historical factors that have made the lives of African Americans difficult over the past centuries. 

First and foremost is the institution of slavery, which existed in the US over several centuries and did not end until the 13th Amendment abolished it in 1865. Even after the end of slavery, discriminatory laws and slave-like conditions were still a reality for many years, although notable advances were made following the activism of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960’s.

However, while many of the discriminatory institutions and laws have been abolished, their aftereffects can still be felt in the differences between average incomes and living c…

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Movie adaptation

Angie Thomas’ novel The Hate U Give was adapted into a movie version in 2018. The film was directed by George Tillman Jr and starred Amandla Stenberg as Starr Carter. The movie version is mostly a close adaptation of the novel, following a similar structure and using similar dialogue. The movie was generally well-received by critics, with special praise for Amandla Stenberg’s heartfelt performance as Starr. 

However, there are a few key differences. There are fewer characters in the film. For example, DeVante does not appear in the movie version, but some of his dialogue and experiences are given to Starr’s brother Seven instead. The movie also emphasizes the possibility of a romantic relationship between Starr and Khalil; they kiss in Khalil’s car before they are pulled over by the police officer. 

The ending is also different. In the book, the climax happens when King is arrested because various members of the neighborhood sp…