Literary Elements
This chapter is composed the recording of Hannah's meeting with the guidance counselor (Mr. Porter). Hannah narrates the majority while Clay narrates very few parts. Hannah speaks like if her mind is made up, however she is willing give life one more chance. She is calm and collect with her words and she proceeds with her meeting with the guidance counselor (recorded the conversation by putting the tape recorder in her backpack). The conflict in this chapter was that as Mr. Porter was speaking to Hannah he picked up on hints that she was contemplating suicide. He tried to steer her away from that horrible decision but he didn't exactly do the best he was capable of.
Themes
Concern- Mr. Porter was concerned when he found out Hannah was contemplating suicide
Regret- Clay still regrets that he never helped Hannah. Mr. Porter probably also regrets his choice of words
Attainment- Hannah finally got her mind made up and attained what she needed to go through with her decision.
Quotes
-"I'm giving life one more chance. And this time, I'm getting help. I'm asking for help because I cannot do this alone. I've tried that". (Pg. 269)
-"Of course if you're listening to this, I failed. Or he failed. If he fails, the deal is sealed". (Pg. 269)
-"Seriously, I need a definition. How do you know what a friend is?". (Pg. 271)
-"You said you wanted life to stop, Hannah. Your life? Is that what you meant so say, Hannah? Those are very serious words, you know". (Pg. 272)
-"You, Hannah. How did you get to this point? I know you can't sum it all up. It's the snowball effect, am I right?". (Pg. 273)
-"It's hard because I don't know who's going to...you know...get me next. Or how". (Pg. 274)
-"Years ago I was voted...you know, in one of those polls. Well, not really a poll, but someone's stupid idea of a list. A best-of and worst-of thing. And people have been reacting to it ever since".
(Pg. 275)
-"Recently. At a party. I swear one of the worst nights of my life". (Pg. 275)
-"and I'm not trying to be blunt here, Hannah, but you can move on". (Pg. 278)
-"Thank you, Mr. Porter
Hannah. Wait. You don't need to leave
I think I'm done here. I got what I came for.
I think there is more we can talk about, Hannah.
No, I think we've figured it out. I need to move on and get over it.
Not get over it, Hannah. But sometimes there's nothing left to do but move on.
You're right. I know.
Hannah, I don't understand why you're in such a hurry to leave.
Because I need to get on with things, Mr. Porter. If nothing's going to change, then I'd better get on with it, right?
Hannah what are you talking about?
I'm talking about my life, Mr. Porter
Hannah, wait.
(A door clicks)
I'm walking down the hall. His door is closed behind me. It's staying closed. He's not coming".
(Pg. 278-279)
"A lot of you cares, just not enough. And that...that is what I needed to find out." (Pg. 280)
Personal
I'm really saddened by this chapter because it shows how Hannah finalized her decision to commit suicide. I think that Mr. Porter could have chose his words more carefully when dealing with a topic such as suicide because its a delicate topic. Most importantly MR. PORTER SHOULD HAVE CHASED AFTER HANNAH WHEN SHE LEFT THE OFFICE! If he had chased after her, he could have prevented her suicide and spoke to her more. I wonder what was going through Mr. Porter's mind when she left the office and also after he heard about her death. I think it will haunt Mr. Porter for a long time to come. I fell bad for Clay because the girl he loved is gone and he now realizes how many opportunities people (including himself) had to stop her.
Side B/The Next Day
Literary Elements
Side B of the tape is a static noise in which Clay realizes that its all over and he just witnessed Hannah Baker's final words (which were "I'm sorry"). Side B is followed by a short chapter called "The Next Day" in which Clay narrates. You can feel the emptiness within Clay's words. He is lonely and saddened as he walks through the halls. This chapter is about Clay's first day back at school following the events of the book. Now that the tapes are behind him, he must move on with life. But is he ready?
Themes
Loneliness- Clay feels alone now that Hannah is gone and he is aware of everyone responsible.
Sadness- Sadness fills the air, not only around Clay, but throughout the school.
Vacancy- Within Clay's words you can feel the emptiness in the school and the emptiness in his heart.
Freedom- Clay is finally free from the tapes and he frees himself of the guilt.
Change- You can sense a change in Clay's personality after all he's been through.
Quotes
"The empty desk of Hannah Baker. People stare at her desk every day. But today, for me, is profoundly different than yesterday" (Pg. 284)
"And it feels strange, almost sad, to walk through the empty halls. Each step I take sounds so lonely" (Pg. 284)
"How many times did I stand right here, thinking I would never get a chance with Hannah Baker" (Pg. 285)
"How many times after the party did I stand right here, when Hannah was still alive, thinking my chances with her were over? Thinking I said or did something wrong. Too afraid to talk to her again. Too afraid to try" (Pg. 285)
Personal
This final chapter had a really sad and lonely feel to it, its hard to believe that its over. I like the fact that Clay confronts the girl he use to like at the end of the book, showing that since he let Hannah slip away, he won't make the same mistake twice. I felt like this showed a great deal of change in his personality and that there is hope for him. I still wonder what will happen when Mr. Porter receives his set of tapes and I wish I could read about his reaction. Overall I thought this book was really good and well written. I like how the majority of the book was narrated by both Hannah and Clay because it felt unique. I definitely would recommend this book to others, its fantastic.
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