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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

The document contains a series of discussion questions related to Angie Thomas' book, focusing on themes such as the influence of the author's life on the story, the meaning of 'THUG LIFE', and the significance of family and community in the narrative. It also explores motifs of silence and voice, the portrayal of characters, and the impact of societal issues like racism and police violence. Additionally, it prompts reflection on personal experiences and societal inequalities in relation to the book's themes.

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maiafrondisi
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10 views2 pages

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

The document contains a series of discussion questions related to Angie Thomas' book, focusing on themes such as the influence of the author's life on the story, the meaning of 'THUG LIFE', and the significance of family and community in the narrative. It also explores motifs of silence and voice, the portrayal of characters, and the impact of societal issues like racism and police violence. Additionally, it prompts reflection on personal experiences and societal inequalities in relation to the book's themes.

Uploaded by

maiafrondisi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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REMEMBER: TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS YOU HAVE TO ALWAYS REFER TO THE STORY

SOMEHOW BY GIVING EXAMPLES, SITUATIONS, CHARACTERS, SCENES, DIALOGUES, ETC.

1)​ In which ways has Angie Thomas´ life influenced the story?

2)​ Discuss the term “THUG LIFE” What does it mean? Where does it come from? Who was Tupac?
As Starr and Khalil listen to Tupac, Khalil explains what Tupac said "Thug Life" meant. Discuss the
meaning of the term "Thug Life" as an acronym and why the author might have chosen part of this as
the title of the book. In what ways do you see this in society today? (refer to the USA and Argentina)
Maverick’s rose garden can be seen as a symbol in this book. What do you think it represents? Read
Tupac Shakur’s poem “The Rose that Grew from Concrete” and discuss what this has to do with “Thug
Life.”

3)​ Chapter 2 begins with Starr flashing back to two talks her parents had with her when she was young.
One was about sex ("the usual birds and bees"). The second was about what precautions to take when
encountering a police officer (Chapter 2, p. 20). Why do you think it is important to have these
conversations? Is it the same for Black people everywhere? Have you had a similar conversation about
what to do when stopped by the police? Reflect upon or imagine this conversation.

4)​ Thomas frequently uses motifs of silence and voice throughout the book. Find instances in the book
where silence or voice and speech are noted, and talk about the author’s possible intentions for
emphasizing these motifs.

5)​ At the police station after Starr details the events leading up to the shooting, the detective shifts her
focus to Khalil’s past. Why do you think the detective did this? Discuss Starr’s reaction to this "bait". Try
to explain both points of view, the Black community vs The Police arguments as both valid. Uncle
Carlos is significant in this dichotomy, HOW?

6)​ How do you think Starr would define family? What about Seven? How do you define it?

7)​ Chris and Starr have a breakthrough in their relationship—Starr admits to him that she was in the car
with Khalil and shares the memories of Natasha’s murder (Chapter 17, pp. 298–302). Discuss why
Starr’s admission and releasing of this burden to Chris is significant. Explore the practice of "code
switching" and discuss how you might code switch in different circumstances in your own life.

8)​ Can your voice be a weapon?


8-a What can happen if you do not speak your problems, ideas, thoughts, feelings? Use different
characters, their reactions and outcomes as examples to your opinion.
8-b how can you use your voice to promote and advance social justice? Reflect on how you and your
community discuss and address inequality.
8-c “I always said that if I saw it happen to somebody, I would have the loudest voice, making sure the
world knew what went down. Now I am that person, and I’m too afraid to speak.”
How have you responded to recent police shootings of black people?** How do you imagine you’d
respond if you were an eyewitness, like Starr?

9)​ Starr says to Hailey, “You can say something racist and not be racist.” What do you think this means?
Do you agree or disagree? Why?

10)​There is a tension in the book between the anti-racist philosophies represented by civil rights activists
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Huey Newton, co-founder of the Black Panther Party. Explain the
difference.
11)​Discuss Starr’s neighborhood. How is it described in negative terms? What are examples of the
positives in her neighborhood? How does Starr feel about her neighborhood and how does it compare
to her uncle’s neighborhood? How do you think she feels when her family moves at the end of the
story?

12)​Discuss the character of Starr’s Dad. In what ways does he fit the stereotype of a “thug”? In what ways
does he defy that stereotype?

13)​How is Aiesha portrayed at the beginning of the story when we meet her at Khalil’s funeral? How does
the way she is portrayed change over the course of the book? In which ways are Aiesha and Starr´s
mom similar?

14)​What roles does drug play in the story?

15)​After reading The Hate U Give, what part of the book resonated with you most? What insight
will you carry with you?

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