The Hate U Give

The Hate U Give Irony

"hood rich"

Maverick's father, Adonis Carter, was a one of most notorious drug dealers and gangbangers in the city. His involvement in the drug trade made him a huge amount of money; pictures of Maverick as a child show him playing with jewels and furs. However, Carter neglected Maverick, and ended up going to prison, because of the very same involvement in drug dealing that enabled him to be financially successful. Starr later identifies this irony as "hood rich": King's house is hood rich because it is broken down and crumbling from the outside, but stocked with televisions and fine furniture on the inside.

Thug Life (situational irony)

The concept of THUG LIFE is ironic because it demonstrates the cyclical nature of violence. Inner-city men are poor and have nowhere to turn, so they join gangs to gain a sense of community and money—but because of the violence that accompanies gang life, these men often go to prison or end up dead, and thus leave their children with no choice but to join gangs. It's ironic that decisions made to improve one's life end up contributing to the endless loop of negativity.

Carlos and Maverick (situational irony)

Carlos and Maverick are constantly feuding, because Maverick resents the fact that Carlos was essentially Starr's father during the time that Maverick was in prison. The two men seem unaware that their constant fighting hurts Starr, making her feel stressed and guilty. By fighting over how to best make Starr happy, Carlos and Maverick inadvertently make her unhappy.

looting (situational irony)

The oppressive systems that keep minorities from advancing contribute to issues such as police brutality. After police shootings, anger bubbles over and Garden Heights residents riot, burning and looting their own stores. This contributes to a negative media stereotype that further perpetuates and justifies oppressive systems. The residents' expressions of their anger leads to further causes for anger.