1. Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover

Dat girl learned real quick not to judge a book by its cover.

Appearance can deceive. The core message of "Thug Notes" is that you shouldn't let appearances fool you. Just because someone looks or sounds a certain way doesn't mean you know what's inside their head or heart. This applies to people and to classic literature itself.

Breaking down barriers. The goal is to make literature accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or how they present themselves. Libraries and stories are for everybody to enjoy, not just a select few who fit a certain mold or speak a certain way. Judging based on the cover prevents people from accessing valuable knowledge and connection.

Beyond the surface. Many classic stories reinforce this idea. Characters are often misjudged based on initial impressions, leading to conflict and misunderstanding. Looking past the surface allows for deeper empathy and connection, revealing the complexity and shared humanity beneath different exteriors.

2. Classic Literature Breaks Down the Human Condition

When it come to figgerin’ out who we are, who we wanna be, how to treat otha people, and da decisions we gonna make, it’s literature dat gonna hook us up.

Literature provides answers. While science and technology make life smoother and faster, they can't fill all the holes. Literature helps us figure out who we are, how to treat others, and the big decisions we face. It offers timeless insights into the human experience.

Stepping into shoes. Great stories have the power to put us in another person's shoes, showing us the world from different perspectives. This teaches empathy and helps us connect with others on a deeper level, even if they seem different from us.

Real OGs of knowledge. Authors like Dostoevsky, Dickens, and Shakespeare are the real OGs of dropping knowledge. Their works are timeless and ageless, offering wisdom that remains relevant across generations and cultures.

3. Society's Flaws Ain't New

Some of da best works of lit can be thought of as expressions of rebellion or great dissatisfaction wit’ da world—existential, political, social, or emotional.

Critiquing the system. Many classic novels are born from dissatisfaction with the world. They challenge existing social, political, and emotional systems, highlighting oppression, inequality, and injustice. This mirrors the themes often found in rebellious art forms like hip-hop.

Recurring injustices. Across different eras and settings, literature reveals persistent societal problems.

• Racism and prejudice (To Kill a Mockingbird, Invisible Man, A Raisin in the Sun)
• Class divisions and social hierarchy (Pride and Prejudice, The Great Gatsby, A Raisin in the Sun)
• Corruption and abuse of power (Hamlet, Crime and Punishment, Things Fall Apart)

Timeless struggles. These stories show that the struggle against oppressive systems and societal flaws is a continuous one. They remind us that while the context may change, the core issues of inequality and the fight for a better world remain relevant.

4. Identity is a Constant Hustle

One of da big questions da narrata face is: “Who am I?”

Searching for self. Many characters in classic literature are on a journey to figure out who they are in a world that tries to define them. This struggle for identity is a core part of the human experience, especially when facing external pressures or internal conflict.

External definitions. Society, family, and circumstances often try to impose an identity on individuals.

• Juliet is expected to marry Paris based on family wishes (Romeo and Juliet).
• Scout is told she needs to act more "ladylike" (To Kill a Mockingbird).
• The Invisible Man is only seen through the lens of others' prejudices (Invisible Man).
• Beneatha grapples with what it means to be a black woman in America (A Raisin in the Sun).

Defining your own path. The journey often involves rejecting these external definitions and fighting to express one's true self. This can be a painful process, but ultimately leads to a more authentic existence, even if it means challenging the status quo.

5. Love Ain't Always Sweet

When you rollin’ on love, ain’t nothin’ sweeter. But if shit go whack and you have a bad trip, love might not seem worth da pain.

Complex emotions. Literature explores the multifaceted nature of love, showing it's not always simple or easy. It can be passionate and transformative, but also painful, confusing, and even destructive. Different characters experience and define love in various ways.

Beyond romance. While romantic love is a major theme, stories also highlight other forms of love.

• Familial love (Romeo and Juliet, To Kill a Mockingbird, A Raisin in the Sun, The Color Purple)
• Friendship and loyalty (Romeo and Juliet, To Kill a Mockingbird, Moby-Dick, Hamlet, Crime and Punishment)
• The absence or distortion of love (Frankenstein, The Color Purple)

Consequences of love. Love can drive characters to great heights or tragic lows. It can lead to rash decisions, conflict, and unintended consequences, proving that even a powerful and seemingly positive force can bring pain.

6. Appearance vs. Reality: Things Ain't Always What They Seem

There’s a big-ass difference between how somethin’ seems and how it actually is.

Deception and masks. Many stories reveal that what appears on the surface is often a mask hiding a different reality. Characters and situations are not always what they seem, leading to misunderstandings, betrayal, and tragic outcomes.

Hidden truths. This theme manifests in various ways:

• Characters hiding their true intentions or feelings (Hamlet, Pride and Prejudice).
• Societies presenting a facade of order or justice that hides corruption (To Kill a Mockingbird, Invisible Man, Fahrenheit 451).
• The contrast between a person's outward appearance and their inner nature (Frankenstein, Lord of the Flies).

Looking deeper. The ability to see beyond appearances is often crucial for survival or understanding. Characters who rely solely on what they see are often misled, while those who look deeper uncover the complex and sometimes disturbing truths beneath the surface.

7. The Beast Within Us All

“Maybe there is a beast.… maybe it’s only us.”

Inherent darkness. Some literature suggests that humanity harbors a dark, savage side. Without the constraints of society, this inner "beast" can emerge, leading to violence, cruelty, and chaos. This challenges the idea of inherent human goodness.

Civilization's thin veneer. Stories like Lord of the Flies show how quickly the veneer of civilization can crack when external rules are removed. The boys descend into savagery, revealing that the capacity for brutality lies within them, not just an external monster.

Internal conflict. This inner darkness can also manifest as internal conflict or destructive impulses. Characters struggle with their own capacity for evil or are driven by base desires, highlighting the constant battle between our civilized selves and our primal instincts.

8. Fate vs. Choice: Who's Really Ridin' Da Beef?

A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life.

Are we in control? A central question in many narratives is whether our lives are predetermined by fate or shaped by our own choices. Characters grapple with destiny, coincidence, and the consequences of their decisions, leaving the reader to ponder the extent of free will.

Coincidence or destiny? Seemingly random events can have profound impacts, leading some characters to believe they are "star-crossed" or subject to a higher power.

• The servant asking Romeo to read the guest list (Romeo and Juliet).
• Friar John being held up and failing to deliver the message (Romeo and Juliet).
• The series of coincidences leading to Gatsby's downfall (The Great Gatsby).

The weight of decisions. Even if fate plays a role, characters' choices often exacerbate their situations. Rash actions, poor judgment, or a refusal to adapt can lead to tragic outcomes, suggesting that while destiny might set the stage, our decisions write the script.

9. Chasing Dreams, Facing Reality

What gonna happen to somebody who got a dream dat neva happened?

The pursuit of happiness. Many characters are driven by dreams – of love, wealth, status, or a better life. Literature explores the pursuit of these dreams, often revealing the gap between aspiration and reality, and the potential for disappointment or corruption along the way.

The American Dream's cost. The concept of the American Dream, in particular, is often examined, showing its allure and its potential pitfalls.

• Gatsby's relentless pursuit of Daisy and a romanticized past (The Great Gatsby).
• Walter Younger's dream of financial success and respect (A Raisin in the Sun).
• The idea that stacking cash will bring happiness (The Great Gatsby).

Dreams deferred or destroyed. Stories show what happens when dreams are deferred, denied, or prove to be hollow. This can lead to bitterness, despair, or a realization that true fulfillment lies elsewhere, often in unexpected places or forms of connection.

10. Consequences Catch Up

Suffering and pain are always obligatory on those of wide intellect and profound feeling.

Actions have repercussions. Literature often illustrates that every action, whether intentional or accidental, has consequences. Characters must face the fallout of their choices, sometimes immediately, sometimes years later, and often in ways they never anticipated.

Unintended outcomes. Even well-intentioned actions can lead to negative results.

• Friar Laurence's plan to marry Romeo and Juliet to end the feud leads to their deaths (Romeo and Juliet).
• Victor Frankenstein's pursuit of knowledge and creation leads to destruction (Frankenstein).
• Okonkwo's actions, driven by a fear of weakness, lead to exile and tragedy (Things Fall Apart).

Facing the music. Characters are often forced to confront the pain and suffering caused by their deeds, both to themselves and others. This confrontation can lead to redemption, despair, or a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of actions and their effects.

11. Community is Key

Errything and erryone in da world bound togetha—ain’t nobody really alone.

The need for connection. Despite individual struggles, many stories emphasize the fundamental human need for connection and community. Isolation, whether self-imposed or forced, often leads to suffering, while belonging offers support, understanding, and a sense of purpose.

Finding belonging. Characters search for or find community in various forms:

• Friendship and loyalty (Romeo and Juliet, Moby-Dick, Hamlet, Crime and Punishment).
• Family bonds (To Kill a Mockingbird, A Raisin in the Sun, The Color Purple).
• Shared purpose or identity (Invisible Man, Lord of the Flies, Fahrenheit 451).

The cost of isolation. Stories show the devastating effects of being cut off from others. Characters who prioritize individual goals over community often face lonely ends, while those who embrace connection find strength and meaning.

12. Courage Comes in Many Forms

Real courage is when “you’re licked before you begin … and you see it through no matter what.”

Beyond physical strength. Literature expands the definition of courage beyond just physical bravery or fighting. True courage often involves standing up for what is right, facing difficult truths, or persevering in the face of overwhelming odds, even when success seems impossible.

Moral bravery. Examples of different types of courage include:

• Atticus Finch defending Tom Robinson despite town-wide hatred (To Kill a Mockingbird).
• Hamlet grappling with the decision to avenge his father (Hamlet).
• Characters challenging oppressive systems or societal norms (Invisible Man, A Raisin in the Sun, Fahrenheit 451, Things Fall Apart, The Color Purple).
• Facing personal demons or difficult emotions (Frankenstein, Crime and Punishment, The Catcher in the Rye).

Perseverance. Courage is often about seeing things through, even when you know you might fail. It's the determination to act based on conviction, regardless of the fear or opposition faced.

Last updated: May 10, 2025