Theme 1
The first main theme from Before I Fall is, “Do onto others, as you want done onto you.” In the book Sam was very rude and harsh to other people, and right before she died one girl got the courage to call her out on it. It seemed like since she was mean to others she got that treatment in return. A lot of people finally started saying things to her and she realized how out of hand she had been. Also after she died, and had to relive her last day, she decided to be kind to others. Sam comprehended that if she was to help people and not be so vile towards them she could benefit. In the act of helping out and changing her life around, she finally did not have to replay her last day over and over. She got to move on and die peacefully, knowing she did the right thing. The theme fits well because when she was mean to others they were to her, and when she was kind to them, good things came right back at her.
Theme 2
Another lesson learned in Before I Fall, and what seems to be the main one is, Life is too short to hide behind others and not try new things. Even though Samantha was popular she hid behind her friends. She did not take chances and speak up or do things she would regret. When she knew it was her last day and everything she did that day would disappear, she took more chances knowing she could re-do her mistakes. In that way, the message is live each day like it is your last. If you do not take chances, speak up, or do things you regret, you are not living to the fullest. Sam spoke up to her boyfriend and broke up with him. She also told her friends how rude they were, and how they were hurting innocent people around them. She embarrassed her teacher in front of the class for flirting with students. Sam also stole her mom’s credit card and went on a HUGE shopping trip. She told people things she would not normally tell them, because she knew that they would be mad for the moment, but the next day it would start all over as if nothing happened. This book really dawned the light on the fact that, life is a gift and you never know when your last day may be. Therefore it is best to live your life, do what you want, listen to your heart, be yourself, speak up, and do not care what others think. That is the theme and message I feel this author truly wanted to portray, and they did an astounding job.