need at least a half of a page anwser
Jay Asher's 13 Reasons Why is one of the most relevant contemporary books for Young Adults. Its depiction of how a series of events drives a young girl to her death indeed offers a closer look at the teen psyche. What makes the book different is the way Asher gives graphic details to Hannah Baker's downfall, tracing the precise routes through which she embraced death. The map is a key element in the unfolding of Hannah's narrative. Hannah's purpose in recording the tapes seems to be to impress on the others, and through them the readers, a feel of what she must have gone through. Here again, the map helps the character/reader to follow Hannah's steps. When Clay follows the prescribed route he can be seen going through intense emotional upheaval which inspires him to avenge his friend. The map is also significant in adding a sense of realism to Hannah's narrative. That is, the map gives a kind of authenticity to her narrative thereby making her declarations more valid. Not only that, the map also helps in re-enacting the time before Hannah's death. So, when Clay follows the map as per instructions, he is in effect reliving what Hannah did earlier. The tapes alone wouldn't have created the desired impact on the characters (and the readers). The descriptions on the map also aids in giving a depth to the overall narrative of the book. This can be seen as an innovative narrative startegy; by giving a visual aid in the book, he makes possible a better reading experience. Also, places matter in the book in the sense that they undergo changes in signification after Hannah's death. For instance, the cafe where Hannah, Alex and Jessica meet at first represents a place where new relationships are forged. But it is also teh place where friendships are broken and the spat with Jessica following Alex's infamous list is one of the events that trigger Hannah's suicide. Also, when Clay peeps at Tyler's room, he (as well as the reader) seems to experience what Hannah might have felt. Clay is found hurling stones at Tyler's window by Marcus who confirms that all who heard the tapes and followed the map have done the same. In this way, the map almost becomes a kind of game through which Hannah leads each character; or rather, compels them to follow.
Thus the map significantly contributes to the progression of narrative. Rather than nmerely listen to a dead girl's voice, the characters are compelled to follow her steps. The presence of the map adds substance to what Hannah says and when Clay follows the routes he undergoes a number of revelations that add credibility to Hannah's story, which the tapes alone may not have helped to.
self interpretation
