A Few Things I Learned From '13 Reasons Why'
Start writing a post
Entertainment

A Few Things I Learned From '13 Reasons Why'

Because even the smallest ripple can cause a wave.

41
A Few Things I Learned From '13 Reasons Why'
Unsplash

"13 Reasons Why" is a book that was released October 18, 2007. I had just started 5th grade and I was obsessed with reading. I remember walking through my town's library and coming across that book in the juvenile section. (Thinking back, that was probably the last place it should have been given the grown-up topics dealt with). I thought the concept was interesting. A girl takes her life and leaves behind a series of tapes explaining why she did it. The book was good. Jay Asher did an excellent job by not mentioning how Hannah took her life. To be completely honest, that probably would have scared me pretty badly as a 5th grader.

The book gained more attention in fall of 2015 when it was announced that a television adaption of the book would be in the works, and again on 2017 when it premiered on Netflix. I was skeptical about watching the show due to the fact that I had been struggling with my own personal and mental issues, however, my girlfriend seemed interested in it, so we both watched it.

As I made my way through the first season, there were a few of things I noticed.

1. The ButterFly Effect

Maybe you've heard of it, or maybe this is the first time you've read the words but it's actually a really cool theory that I've been obsessed with for a long time. The theory is that a small change in one state can make a difference in a different state in the future. For example: If a butterfly flaps its wings in the right spot at the right time, it could cause a hurricane.

Crazy right?

So in "13 Reasons Why" the butterfly effect is demonstrated by how Hannah's relationship with Justin in the first episode ultimately leads to her suicide. Was the relationship the direct cause of her death? No. However, if she had not started that relationship with Justin, there's a good chance Hannah would not have killed herself and there would be no story.

2. The Domino Effect

The Domino Effect is similar to the butterfly effect, but this doesn't just connect point A to point B. This takes point A and shows how all of the little things in between causes someone to reach point B.

In terms of "13 Reasons Why," it would be the following:

Justin took a picture of Hannah and Bryce sent it all over the school, Alex made a list, Tyler stalked her, Courtney spread rumors about her, Marcus harassed her, Zach hurt her. The lack of trust that was caused by the previous events is what caused her to shut Clay down at the party. If that hadn't happened, she wouldn't have been in the closet, she wouldn't have seen Jessica get raped. She wouldn't have gotten in the car with Sherri, and Jeff would have lived. She would have never gone to the party and she wouldn't have gotten raped. She wouldn't have had to go see Mr. Porter. She wouldn't have felt like suicide was the only answer.

Further theories believe that if Kat had never moved away, Hannah wouldn't have killed herself.

3. The Timestamp

In the Season 1 finale, the students of Liberty High are giving their testimonies, and if you look closely, you'll see a timestamp at the bottom reading "November 10, 2017, 8:00:51 AM" however, the show was released on March 31, 2017. This tiny detail means that none of the tragic events in Hannah's life hasn't happened yet. Jessica (and Hannah) hadn't gotten raped, Jeff was still alive, Hannah hadn't killed herself yet. And for me, that kind of made me think of the Hannah's in my life. Someone who had been hurt and was going through a time where they needed a friend. It may be too late for Hannah but it's never too late for us to show love and compassion for the people around us.

I feel like the last one is the most important. It not only opened my eyes to realize that these things portrayed in the show happen in real life. They happen to real people - even people who are our friends. It showed me that there were people in my own life that were hurting and needed help just like Hannah did.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, please call the national suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or log on to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

85430
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

51361
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments