essays on the book speak

Home — Essay Samples — Sociology — Speak — Reflection On The Novel Speak By Laurie Halse Anderson

Reflection on The Novel Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

• Categories: Book Review Novel Speak

About this sample

Words: 1113 |

Published: Oct 2, 2020

Words: 1113 | Pages: 2 | 6 min read

Works Cited

• Anderson, L. H. (1999). Speak. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
• Gleitzman, N. (2004). Laurie Halse Anderson: Speaking in tongues. The ALAN Review, 31(1), 27-33.
• Holland, P. (2001). "Talk" and other four-letter words: Censorship and young adult literature. Children's Literature in Education, 32(1), 17-32.
• Huff, K. (2004). Representations of the silenced female voice in Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak. Children's Literature in Education, 35(1), 21-41.
• Kwasny, M. J. (2004). "Who am I?": The journey toward self-discovery in Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak. The ALAN Review, 32(3), 22-28.
• Lent, R. (2005). Silence and self-expression: The double bind in Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak. Children's Literature Association Quarterly, 30(2), 118-134.
• Mallard, A. (2006). Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak and the problematics of writing the rapist. Children's Literature Association Quarterly, 31(4), 315-333.
• Mathieu, J. (2015). Performing resistance: Strategies of survival and resistance in Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak and Louise O'Neill's Asking For It. Children's Literature Association Quarterly, 40(2), 169-186.
• Pendergast, S. (2011). Gender, sexuality, and silence in Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak. Children's Literature in Education, 42(2), 149-161.
• Ryczek, A. (2017). Choosing not to speak: A postmodern analysis of Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak. The ALAN Review, 45(3), 40-47.

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr. Heisenberg

Verified writer

• Expert in: Literature Sociology

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 689 words

2 pages / 1084 words

1 pages / 507 words

2 pages / 983 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Speak

Don DeLillo's novel White Noise confronts the primal fear of death much in the way his own characters do-- by nullifying or minimizing this otherwise terrifying human phenomenon. What is referred to as "white noise" in the novel [...]

Are you interested to be a public speaker? To be a good public speaker you must have some preparation before goes to your audience. If you leave a preparation of the basic matter of speech and just rely on being able to think [...]

Quick! What is the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights? What is America known for? It’s freedom of speech. We did not travel across another continent just to continue to be silenced! It should be remembered that speaking up [...]

A key to any revolution, in any time period, is spreading the keypoints within the ideology of the revolution in an efficient and effective manner. The Protestant Reformation, which is accredited chiefly to the efforts of the [...]

Social media creates a dopamine-driven feedback loop to condition young adults to stay online, stripping them of important social skills and further keeping them on social media, leading them to feel socially isolated. Annotated [...]

Instagram has become one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, and for good reason. It has surpassed other social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat by adopting new and distinctive features. [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

86 pages • 2 hours read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-21

Part 2, Chapters 22-44

Part 3, Chapters 45-63

Part 4, Chapters 64-89

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Summary and Study Guide

Speak is a young-adult realistic fiction novel by Laurie Halse Anderson, first published in 1999. It follows the plight of a teenager, Melinda , who was raped at age 13 and struggles to put her life back together and find her voice . Anderson has written several young adult novels, all of which address pressing issues for teens honestly and empathetically. She was honored with the Margaret A. Edwards award for her important and relevant contributions to the young adult genre . Speak was a National Book Award finalist, a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, and an Edgar Allan Poe Award finalist, among many other awards and nominations. Anderson continues to receive letters from readers about how Speak has impacted their lives and helped them through difficult times and similar experiences, and she speaks to as many youths as possible about her book. At the novel's end, Anderson includes resources for survivors of sexual assault, which serves as one last reminder of her desire to help those who feel voiceless be heard.

This guide utilizes the 2011 publication of the novel.

Get access to this full Study Guide and much more!

• 7,750+ In-Depth Study Guides
• 4,800+ Quick-Read Plot Summaries
• Downloadable PDFs

Content Warning: This novel deals with topics such as sexual assault of a minor, child abuse, and verbal abuse.

Plot Summary

The SuperSummary difference

• 8x more resources than SparkNotes and CliffsNotes combined
• Study Guides you won ' t find anywhere else
• 175 + new titles every month

Speak is divided into four parts, each one being a marking period for the school year. It starts as school and the first marking period begin, and it is Melinda’s first year of high school. She attends Merryweather High School and starts her first day with nobody to talk to or sit with. Melinda is insecure and shy, as anyone would be in a new place; she also has a secret that she keeps deep within herself: She was raped at a summer party that she attended with her then-best friend, Rachel , by a senior named Andy Evans . The shock and terror from the experience clouded Melinda’s mind at the time, but she was able to call the police. In a moment of panic, she left the house before they arrived and never told anyone her story. On top of this, she has not spoken about the rape to any of her old friends or her parents. Instead, she keeps it to herself, which eats away at her self-esteem and ability to enjoy her life.

Melinda has several teachers with unique personalities: Mr. Neck is the social studies teacher who always seems to be angry and is eventually revealed to be racist; Ms. Keen is the biology teacher who makes biology fun for Melinda; Hairwoman is the old English teacher who gives out tough assignments but whose class Melinda still enjoys; Melinda’s Spanish teacher refuses to speak English, which creates several humorous moments; Mr. Freeman is the art teacher and the teacher who influences Melinda the most throughout the novel. At the beginning of the year, Mr. Freeman announces a year-long project in which students will pick the name of a random object out of a broken globe and spend the year trying to turn that object into vibrant, living art. Melinda picks the word “tree,” and trees become symbols for her and her personal growth out and above her trauma.

Melinda’s home life is not much more welcoming than her school life. Her mother is always stressed and working, and her father often seems on edge. Melinda does not speak to her parents at all, remaining totally silent for several months. She often hears them arguing at top volume. Melinda often has trouble completing her homework at home, as she is often a victim of verbal abuse. At school, Melinda steals several late passes and discovers an abandoned closet, which she makes her new hiding place, decorating it with a Maya Angelou poster and eventually her art creations.

Melinda becomes friends with a new girl named Heather . Heather is desperate to fit into the school cliques. Melinda does not care about that but needs a friend, so she spends much of her time with Heather anyway. It slowly becomes clear that Heather is only using Melinda until she becomes popular; she does not defend Melinda when people talk poorly about her. Heather finds a clan of girls to hang out with called the Marthas. They help with school fundraisers, volunteer outside school, coordinate outfits, and expect perfection. Heather asks Melinda to help her with her first Martha project, and Melinda agrees. She creates posters for a fundraiser, but the Marthas hate them, and Heather blames Melinda. Meanwhile, Melinda continues to have difficulty speaking, communicating largely in nods and hand gestures.

During the second marking period (autumn), Melinda has a breakthrough in her artwork when she takes the old turkey bones from Thanksgiving dinner and pieces them back together. She adds a Barbie doll head and some twigs for legs and decides that the piece is meant to represent her. Mr. Freeman tells her she is onto something.

Christmas arrives, and Melinda puts up the tree alone. She and her parents sleep in on Christmas day, hand out presents in silence, and then go their separate ways. Melinda wishes she could tell her parents what happened over the summer and why she cannot speak. In biology class, Melinda faints when she has to dissect a dead frog, and it reminds her of how she felt when she was assaulted.

Melinda decides to name Andy Evans “IT.” Until now, she did not call him anything and does not reveal the events that took place until the end of the third marking period. Melinda starts skipping school and thinks more seriously about telling someone what happened to her. Melinda develops a crush on her classmate and lab partner, David Petrakis , who is outspoken and confident and seems not to care about her reputation.

Melinda’s parents and principal hold a meeting with a guidance counselor and determine that Melinda will have an in-school suspension. She must also abide by strict rules and attend all of her classes. Andy Evans begins harassing and taunting Melinda in school, causing her to relive her abuse. In art class, Melinda looks at Picasso’s cubism paintings and feels inspired to create a tree drawing made of tiny, cracked lines. Mr. Freeman approves and advises her to stop thinking about trees when she draws and to think about her emotions instead.

Melinda’s struggle to become an artist unfolds alongside her healing process after being traumatized, thus illustrating the novel’s theme, The Importance of Art as a Form of Self-Expression and Healing . Melinda attends all her classes for a week and is rewarded with new clothes. At the store, she stares at herself in the mirror and does not recognize who she sees; she is changed by her traumatic experience, developing the theme How Personality and Perception Change as a Result of Trauma . At the end of the third marking period, Melinda describes the rape in detail.

As the world begins to thaw outside Melinda’s window, she does too. She slowly starts to speak again and resolves to nurture herself like a seed and grow into who she was before being assaulted. Melinda also starts talking to one of her former friends again. To Melinda’s chagrin, Rachel begins dating Andy, and Melinda realizes she has to tell Rachel about him. In social studies class, Melinda stands up for her right to remain silent when Mr. Neck demands that she deliver her report to the class. She cites the suffragette movement and its fight for freedom. Afterward, David criticizes her, reminding her that suffragettes fought for the right to speak, not to be silent. Melinda considers this carefully.

When Melinda stays home sick from school one day, she watches talk shows and calls her experience “rape” for the first time. Melinda’s relationship with her parents also slowly begins to soften again; she speaks a short phrase to her father, and they spend a relaxing afternoon eating pizza together. Ivy is in Melinda’s art class, and they bond over their struggles to represent their objects. Ivy reveals that she has heard rumors about Andy, which eventually inspires Melinda to write a warning on the bathroom stall, telling other girls to stay away from him.

Days later, Ivy shows Melinda that many other girls have added to the message, writing similar warnings and documenting their experiences. Melinda feels elated to know that she has done something to help. Melinda also finally stands up to Heather. Melinda works up the courage to tell Rachel what happened to her, but Rachel accuses her of lying out of jealousy. It is not until prom that Rachel finally realizes Andy’s true character and dumps him.

In the novel’s final moments, Melinda is attacked in her hideaway closet by Andy. When she screams for help and threatens him with broken glass, he backs off, and the girls on the lacrosse team rescue her. In art class, Melinda finishes her tree illustration. It is not perfect, but she now realizes that is exactly how it should be. She understands what happened to her and that it was not her fault; in the end, she resolves to be a survivor and grow from it. Melinda’s journey is one of Finding One’s Voice After It Has Been Lost .

Don't Miss Out!

Access Study Guide Now

Related Titles

By Laurie Halse Anderson

Laurie Halse Anderson

The Impossible Knife of Memory

Wintergirls

Featured Collections

View Collection

Mental Illness

National Book Awards Winners & Finalists

New York Times Best Sellers

Sexual Harassment & Violence

Book Review: Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Hello there, bookworms! Today, I’m about to take you on a journey into the world of a book that has touched hearts, opened eyes, and sparked conversations. The book I’m talking about is “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson. N

ow, this isn’t just any book—it’s a book that deals with tough issues in a way that’s both raw and relatable. I remember stumbling upon it in the corner of a cozy bookstore during a rainy afternoon. The intriguing cover and the title itself lured me in. I had no idea then how much of an impact it would make.

Book Summary of Speak

“Speak” is a poignant tale of a high school freshman named Melinda Sordino who, after experiencing a traumatic event, struggles with communication and self-expression. Our story begins after Melinda’s life-altering experience at a summer party, where she ends up calling the police. This event ostracizes her from her peers, but what they don’t know is the reason behind her call.

Melinda’s year unfolds in a series of academic seasons, from “First Marking Period” to “Fourth Marking Period.” Her journey is a complex one, riddled with internal battles, silent cries for help, and the ever-approaching confrontation of her trauma. The central theme revolves around finding one’s voice and the courage to speak up. This is aptly symbolized through Melinda’s art project, a tree that gradually transforms from dead to alive, mirroring her own journey.

Despite the gravity of its topic, “Speak” is interspersed with a wry, dark humor that reflects Melinda’s unique perspective and resilience. The narrative is raw and unflinching, offering a poignant exploration of a young girl’s battle with trauma, isolation, and the journey to reclaim her voice.

Book Review of Speak

“Speak” is a remarkable book, and it’s not just because it’s beautifully written, but also because of its relevancy and the universality of its theme. The book is a masterful exploration of a teenager’s struggle to regain her voice and identity after a traumatic incident.

Laurie Halse Anderson’s writing is both powerful and poetic. She portrays Melinda’s pain, isolation, and eventual healing with great sensitivity, making the reader empathize with the character. The narrative structure, divided into marking periods, effectively represents Melinda’s journey. What really stands out is the powerful symbol of the tree in Melinda’s art project, which mirrors her own growth and healing.

Despite the serious subject matter, the novel is not devoid of humor. Melinda’s sarcastic and observant narrative voice provides a sense of levity amidst the heavy themes. This balance makes “Speak” a compelling read that leaves a lasting impression.

Speak Rating

My rating for “Speak”: 8.5 out of 10. This book is a profound exploration of trauma and recovery, and its relevance in today’s society is undeniable. However, the heavy subject matter may not appeal to all readers.

Amazon Rating : 4.6 out of 5.

Goodreads Rating : 4.04 out of 5.

About the Author: Laurie Halse Anderson

Laurie Halse Anderson is a New York Times bestselling author who writes for kids of all ages. Known for tackling tough subjects with humor and sensitivity, her work has earned numerous national and state awards. Her books have been recognized as part of the American Library Association’s Best Fiction for Young Adults, and she has been nominated twice for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, among many other accolades.

Born in Potsdam, New York, Anderson gained a love for reading and adventure at an early age. Born on October 23, 1961, in Potsdam, New York, she spent her childhood engrossed in science fiction and fantasy. Her early interest in writing began to blossom in the second grade, but even then, she never saw herself becoming a writer .

During her senior year of high school, Anderson lived as an exchange student on a pig farm in Denmark. This experience, followed by a stint working at a clothing store back home, earning minimum wage, motivated her to attend college. She kicked off her career as a freelance journalist at The Philadelphia Inquirer before delving into the world of children’s and young adult novels.

Despite early rejections, Anderson persisted, releasing her first children’s novel, “Ndito Runs,” in 1996.

Anderson’s best-known work, “Speak,” was published in 1999. This New York Times bestseller was later adapted into a film in 2004. The novel, which has been translated into 16 languages, won Anderson honors for its portrayal of a thirteen-year-old girl who becomes mute after a sexual assault. In 2018, Anderson revealed that “Speak” was based on her own experience, as she went through her own traumatic experience at the same age. Anderson continues to use her voice and her pen to shed light on topics often shied away from, making her a beacon in young adult literature.

Where to Read Speak

Print  ·  eBook  ·  Audiobook

Related Reading

• Popular Banned Books You Should Read in 2023
• 31 Best-Selling Books of All Time
• Best Dystopian Books
• Best History Books
• Best Historical Fiction Books
• Best Political Satire Cartoon Books
• Best Biographies

Or,  click here to see all book recommendations

About The Author

Related Posts

What is an Idiom in Writing? Examples, Definitions, and How to Create Them

100+ Transition Words to Help Make Your Writing More Interesting

Is AI Art Bad for Artists and Creators?

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Book “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson

In Speak , the author, Laurie Halse Anderson, illustrates the idea that people can recover after trauma and become stronger. The writer utilizes the first-person point of view to show the path protagonist goes through to her transformation. The first-person point of view is the type of narrative in which events are described from the narrator’s point of view using the pronouns “I,” “we,” “me,” “us.” Throughout the book, readers can see the theme of a traumatic event’s consequences, the experiences associated with it, and recovery from it.

The book is structured like a diary of the main character Melinda Sordino, who survived violence by a classmate, and at the same time, became an outcast in school. Readers have access to all her thoughts and feelings, introspection, and attempts to find a way out and speak about the problem. The narrator states, “I want to confess everything, hand over the guilt and mistake and anger to someone else. There is a beast in my gut, I can hear it scraping away at the inside of my ribs. Even if I dump the memory, it will stay with me, staining me.” (Anderson, 1999, p. 38). Readers understand that Melinda feels dirty, a terrible event haunts her, and at the same moment, she feels guilty, like most victims of violence, although she did nothing.

Feelings of anger and guilt depress Melinda, most clearly manifesting in the fact that she hardly speaks. After some time, the young girl feels a desire to free herself: “A small, clean part of me waits to warm and burst through the surface” (Anderson, 1999, p. 122). An example of her recovery from injury is the bold statement, “It wasn’t my fault. And I’m not going to let it kill me. I can grow” (Anderson, 1999, p. 128). When readers see this courage, after all the experience, they understand what transformation Melinda goes through. The main character can recover, although it took a lot of braveness and time. Thus, it is clear that the author’s use of the first-person point of view helped illustrate the idea that changes and healing are possible after trauma.

Anderson, L. H. (1999). Speak . Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Cite this paper

• Chicago (N-B)
• Chicago (A-D)

StudyCorgi. (2022, August 20). The Book “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson. https://studycorgi.com/the-book-speak-by-laurie-halse-anderson/

"The Book “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson." StudyCorgi , 20 Aug. 2022, studycorgi.com/the-book-speak-by-laurie-halse-anderson/.

StudyCorgi . (2022) 'The Book “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson'. 20 August.

1. StudyCorgi . "The Book “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson." August 20, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/the-book-speak-by-laurie-halse-anderson/.

Bibliography

StudyCorgi . "The Book “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson." August 20, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/the-book-speak-by-laurie-halse-anderson/.

StudyCorgi . 2022. "The Book “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson." August 20, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/the-book-speak-by-laurie-halse-anderson/.

This paper, “The Book “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson”, was written and voluntary submitted to our free essay database by a straight-A student. Please ensure you properly reference the paper if you're using it to write your assignment.

Before publication, the StudyCorgi editorial team proofread and checked the paper to make sure it meets the highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, fact accuracy, copyright issues, and inclusive language. Last updated: August 20, 2022 .

If you are the author of this paper and no longer wish to have it published on StudyCorgi, request the removal . Please use the “ Donate your paper ” form to submit an essay.

Laurie Halse Anderson

Ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

Coming of Age

Like many novels with high school settings, Speak is deeply focused on ideas of growing up and coming of age. What makes this book’s exploration of that subject particularly poignant and pointed, however, is that Melinda has already experienced a major milestone of adulthood—losing her virginity—before the novel begins. The fact that this event occurred as the result of rape, however, has derailed Mel’s maturation, and for much of the book she clings to any…

Communication versus Silence

Given that the name of the book is Speak , it is unsurprising that communication versus silence is a critical theme within the book. Silence sits at the narrative’s core: Melinda has not told anyone about her rape at the hands of popular senior Andy Evans the previous summer, and has morphed from a happy, popular student to a traumatized outcast as a result. Throughout the book, Melinda finds it harder and harder to speak…

Appearance versus Reality

Much of Melinda’s cynicism within Speak springs from what she views as a fundamental disconnect between appearance and reality. She has experienced a deeply traumatic rape, yet her parents view her as a disappointment, her teachers view her as a problem, and her classmates view her as a freak. Because she is deeply perceptive and sensitive, Mel notices gaps between appearance and reality everywhere she goes. She sees the cracks in the façade of her…

Family and Friendship

Like any student in high school, Melinda’s life revolves around family and friends. Unlike most high schoolers, however, Melinda is completely alienated from both groups. Her parents are neglectful and distant, and she feels completely unable to tell them about her recent trauma. Her friends, meanwhile, have all abandoned her, believing that she maliciously called the cops on a party when in fact she was only trying to report the fact that Andy Evans had…

Isolation, Loneliness, and Depression

Because Speak takes place within Melinda’s mind, author Laurie Halse Anderson is able to vividly and achingly portray the effects of isolation and loneliness upon human consciousness. Throughout the book, Mel struggles to emerge from a cloud of depression and apathy that surrounds her, yet continually finds herself rejected and alone. Mel’s attitude towards her isolation is conflicted. On one hand, she believes that she has chosen it, pushing away all those close to her…

Memory and Trauma

Melinda begins Speak burdened by memory and trauma: she has been raped and relives the experience every day, yet is unable to speak to anyone about it. As for her happier memories, the rape and the events that followed it have stained them. When she remembers her friends, she realizes that they have since abandoned her. When she remembers her childhood, she feels pity and nostalgia for how innocent and carefree she used to be.

Reflective Essay On The Book Speak

My love for the book Speak helped me realize kids don’t speak up on a lot of things in school and outside of school. As a little girl every summer my aunt had a summer camp and I always attended. One summer was very challenging for me I can remember leaving out of the 3rd grade and my teacher told my mother to make sure I read over the summer. Honestly, I was young and didn’t think my mother would remember and she told my aunt. As I started summer camp every day before I could play I had to read. It was so terrible because all the other kids were playing but me. All the books I was reading was for 4th graders and I didn’t read like I was supposed to because I didn’t know the words and didn’t ask for help on top of that I was young and so in a rush to play with the other kids. When the …show more content…

Weeks later I receive the help I needed and was on top of my game. As years past I seen how kids bullied each other so nobody really wanted to ask for help. When I was in the 7th grade my teacher introduce us to a book called Speak. This book really caught my eye because in the book I learned a lesson too always speak up no matter what. Towards the ending of the book I realize how speaking up changed so much in her life. When I got order I told myself I would help kids learn and speak up. I did exactly what I said I was going to do so I applied for a summer job with the Chicago Park District. Now for 3 years I’ve been working for the Chicago Park District. I usually pick the age group 6-7 year old but my 3rd year I picked ages 3-5 year olds. This was a challenge I didn’t expect. While working with them I noticed some will participate while others cry for their parents. I debated with myself on how I could help them learn and have fun with them at the same time. I made up ABC games and gave coloring sheets which some liked. Since they where so young

Character Analysis: Speak By Laurie Halse Anderson

What would you do if the person you care the most about was suffering from depression? In Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, the narrator, Melinda Sordino, suffers from depression and insecurity after being molested by a senior, Andy Evans. Over time, her emotions change positively. In her art class, she was assigned trees as her project to express emotion. In this novel, trees speak for her because they represent her life, growth, and her refusal to speak.

Laurie Halse Anderson Speak Analysis

In the interview “Fearless” with author Laurie Halse Anderson, Anderson reveals correspondence from young ladies who acknowledge after reading Speak that they appreciate and understand why their moms do not want them attending teenage parties (Horning). Not only do young girls respond to Anderson, but she receives letters from boys stating, “I didn’t know that that would upset a girl so much. I had no idea” (Horning). Reading the challenged book Speak allowed these young adults to connect with Melinda and understand the reasons a parent may make certain decisions and why a peer may react differently to a situation than they do. Gary Saul Morson explains empathy and connections more deeply in his book Prosaics and Other Provocations: Empathy, Open Time, and the Novel when he describes how the reader is allowed by the author to hear what the character is thinking (208). Whereas in real life people may never know the deepest thoughts and secrets of a person, “one experiences from within what it is like to be a member of the opposite sex, belong to another social class…or take other assumptions and values for granted” (208). Morson explains “Readers practice empathy. And what one practices, one find easier to do and, eventually, does by habit” (208). As an example, Laurie Halse Anderson allows the reader to see and feel Melinda’s thoughts and struggles to overcome what is happening to her when she thinks, “What do they know about the inside of my head?...Caught in an avalanche, pinned by worry, squirming under the weight of doubt, guilt. Fear.” Instead of banning Speak it should be allowed in the classroom to encourage young adults to empathize with their

Summary Of Speak By Laurie Halse Anderson

The novel Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson, features a fourteen year old girl named Melinda Sordino who lives in Syracuse, New York. The novel takes place close to present day, with the book being written in 1999, which is when the novel was written. Melinda comes from a middle class background and her parents are blue collar workers. Her mother works at a department store at the local mall while her father works in an office building. Both of her parents spend a lot of time at work and Melinda is an only child, which means she spends most of her time alone. The story begins with Melinda entering high school in her freshman year. The summer after eighth grade, Melinda and her friends attended a high school party. At the party, Melinda is assaulted

Commentary On Speak By Laurie Halse Anderson

Laurie Halse Anderson’s fiction novel “Speak” relates the story of a girl from Syracuse, New York. This story surrounds Melinda Sordino who was victimized by Andy Evans at a high school party. She was afterwards labeled an outcast within her school after calling the police to the barn where they all were, getting many of her friends and classmates in trouble for underage drinking. Since none of Melinda’s friends were aware of the rape, they all believed she called the police just to bust them. In the second half of Melinda’s school year, Andy Evans confronts her and attempts to rape her again; however, this is when Melinda finally finds her voice and gets help before Andy Evans takes advantage of

Speak By Laurie Halse Anderson: Character Analysis

Everyone has someone in their lives who can help make them strong and help them to speak out. In the book Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson the main character, Melinda Sordino, lost her voice and does not speak due to a traumatic experience. She went to a high school party at the end of the summer and met this boy named Andy. They danced a little, talked and kissed. Andy took Melinda out to the woods and raped her. She called the cops because she was so scared. When the cops showed up, they arrested people. Everyone knew Melinda called the police which makes everyone hate her. So she starts high school and has no friends and does not talk to anyone including her parents. But throughout the book there were three people who help Melinda find her voice.

Brief Summary Of The Book Speak By Laurie Halse Anderson

From the very beginning of the book, Speak is an incredibly moving story no one can forget. Melinda Sordino, a freshmen in High School, finds herself pitted against depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts after being ostracized by her fellow classmates. Throughout the book Melinda withdraws from her old social life with her best friend Rachel to a scared, timid girl who is afraid to open her mouth for anything. Right from the start, she is forced into a corner by her EX-best friend, Rachel and many other kids. Constantly, she is harassed, has obscene words thrown at her and is hated after calling the cops at a party over the summer break. Melinda, who cannot speak to others about what happened at that party- a rape, slowly beings to cope with her depression in ways that hurt her more than the rape itself.

What would you do if the person you care the most about was suffering from depression? In Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, the narrator, Melinda Sordino suffers from depression and insecurity after being molested by a senior, Andy Evans. Over time, her emotions change positively. In her art class, she was assigned trees as her project to express emotion. In this novel, trees speak for her because they represent life, Melinda’s growth, and being unable to speak.

Speak By Laurie Halse Anderson Character Analysis

Melinda Sordino, the antagonist and narrator of the novel Speak written by Laurie Halse Anderson, is faced with isolation because of the trauma she experiences with her rape, the fact that her rapist attends her school, and because she is shunned by all of her peers. The summer before her ninth grade year, Melinda and her friends attend a high school party. She is raped at the party by a senior named Andy Evans, and immediately after she called the police. Before the cops arrived and busted the party Melinda left, causing everyone to believe Melinda was trying to get everyone in trouble.

In our novel Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson, multiple settings are present. The overall setting is in a school called Merryweather High School in a small town. The main character, Melinda, describes her first day there, “we pass janitors painting over the sign...school colors will stay purple and gray…”(3, 4). The school mascot was the Trojans, but the janitors were painting over the sign because the mascot was changing. In the school, the overall mood is dark and angry. Melinda called the police to a party, and now she is a social outcast, therefore school is not a good place for her. However, there are a couple places inside the school that she feels better in. There is her art classroom, which is at the opposite end of the school, “The

Speak By Laurie Halse Anderson: An Analysis

Peer pressure can influence teenagers because they can do the activities the other people because they want to be popular and make their friends happy. What I think Laurie Halse Anderson,the author of ‘’Speak,’’ is saying that a teenager will will do anything to be cool and have friends.

Book Report On Speak By Laurie Halse Anderson

Courage is speaking up and standing up for others while going out of comfort zones to do it. The book I read for book club is called Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. Speak is about a girl Malinda who called the cops at a high school and after that nobody speaks to her without knowing the real reason why she called the cops. Her life is crazy until she finally speaks up and the truth comes out. Being courageous is important because it helps people go outside of their comfort zone and stand up for others.

Imagine a girl, once happy and cared about, turn into a walking zombie. This is Melinda, she is starting her first day of school sitting alone and talking to no one. Her once best friends turned against her after a huge event during the summer leaving Melinda as a victim. In the book Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, Melinda is faced with multiple problems. These consist of high school, parents, not having friends, and the emotional scarring from her rape the previous summer. Throughout the whole story Melinda struggles to recognize herself. She shows symptoms of PTSD, which causes her to not speak out of fear. As the book moves along, Melinda gets assigned to put her identity in a tree for art. At first she is not crazy about this idea, but it begins to represent her and her growth in the long run. Towards the end of the book, Melinda has a run in with her rapist, Andy Evans. He threatens her and attempts to hurt her again, except this time Melinda works up the confidence to scream no, thanks to the wise words of David Petrakis, her lab partner. After the second incident, Melinda gets an overwhelming support from her peers. She

“It is my nightmare and I can’t wake up. It sees me. It smiles, it winks.” This quote is said in Laurie Halse Anderson’s novel Speak by the main character Melinda Sordino. Speak is a story about Melinda in her first year of high school and her traumatizing summer before. Andersons novel shows a young girl that struggles with acceptance of peers and overcoming the fear of speaking out.

The Theme Of Communication In Speak By Laurie Halse Anderson

In the novel Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, the main protagonist Melinda is faced with many conflicts against society, and against herself. Anderson is able to develop the theme of communication or lack thereof through her use of symbolism, and motifs throughout the novel. There are many themes that occur throughout the novel, however the theme of communication can be prominently seen through the challenges Melinda faces in her everyday to day school life. Melinda’s communication is mostly non verbal as can be seen in the novel. A motif that occurs throughout the novel is Melinda’s self conflict with biting her lips. Melinda’s anxiousness can be seen when she is put in a situation to speak and she constantly picks on her lips until they start

Speak By Laurie Halse Anderson: A Character Analysis

Coming-of-age novels focus on the transition from childhood to adulthood, with the main character going through a conflict and maturing from it. In the novel Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, Melinda Sordino a is a high school freshman transitioning from her difficult first year of high school to her second year. Through the novel, readers go through Melinda's freshman year learning about her conflicts, secrets, discoveries, and opinions of the world around her.

Related Topics

• English-language films
• Primary school

Authors & Events

Recommendations

• New & Noteworthy
• Bestsellers
• Popular Series
• The Must-Read Books of 2023
• Popular Books in Spanish
• Coming Soon
• Literary Fiction
• Mystery & Thriller
• Science Fiction
• Spanish Language Fiction
• Biographies & Memoirs
• Spanish Language Nonfiction
• Dark Star Trilogy
• A Joe Pickett Novel
• Penguin Classics
• Award Winners
• The Parenting Book Guide
• Books to Read Before Bed
• Books for Middle Graders
• Trending Series
• Magic Tree House
• The Last Kids on Earth
• Planet Omar
• Beloved Characters
• The World of Eric Carle
• Llama Llama
• Junie B. Jones
• Peter Rabbit
• Board Books
• Picture Books
• Guided Reading Levels
• Middle Grade
• Activity Books
• Trending This Week
• Romantasy Books To Start Reading Now
• Page-Turning Series To Start Now
• Books to Cope With Anxiety
• Short Reads
• Anti-Racist Resources
• Staff Picks
• Memoir & Fiction
• Features & Interviews
• Emma Brodie Interview
• James Ellroy Interview
• Nicola Yoon Interview
• Qian Julie Wang Interview
• Deepak Chopra Essay
• How Can I Get Published?
• For Book Clubs
• Reese's Book Club
• Oprah’s Book Club
• happy place " data-category="popular" data-location="header">Guide: Happy Place
• the last white man " data-category="popular" data-location="header">Guide: The Last White Man
• Authors & Events >
• Our Authors
• Michelle Obama
• Zadie Smith
• Emily Henry
• Amor Towles
• Colson Whitehead
• In Their Own Words
• Qian Julie Wang
• Patrick Radden Keefe
• Phoebe Robinson
• Emma Brodie
• Ta-Nehisi Coates
• Laura Hankin
• Recommendations >
• Books To Read if You Love Challengers
• Western Romance Novels
• Insightful Therapy Books To Read This Year
• Historical Fiction With Female Protagonists
• Best Thrillers of All Time
• Manga and Graphic Novels
• happy place " data-category="recommendations" data-location="header">Start Reading Happy Place
• How to Make Reading a Habit with James Clear
• Why Reading Is Good for Your Health
• 10 Facts About Taylor Swift
• New Releases
• Memoirs Read by the Author
• Our Most Soothing Narrators
• Press Play for Inspiration
• Audiobooks You Just Can't Pause
• Listen With the Whole Family

20th Anniversary Edition

By Laurie Halse Anderson Read by Mandy Siegfried , Ashley C. Ford , Jason Reynolds and Laurie Halse Anderson

Category: teen & young adult fiction | teen & young adult social issues | audiobooks.

Jan 09, 2007 | 349 Minutes | Young Adult | ISBN 9780739355961 --> Buy

Buy from Other Retailers:

Jan 09, 2007 | ISBN 9780739355961 | Young Adult

349 Minutes

Buy the Audiobook Download:

• audiobooks.com

About Speak

“Speak up for yourself―we want to know what you have to say.” From the first moment of her freshman year at Merryweather High, Melinda knows this is a big fat lie, part of the nonsense of high school. She is friendless, outcast, because she busted an end-of-summer party by calling the cops, so now nobody will talk to her, let alone listen to her. As time passes, she becomes increasingly isolated and practically stops talking altogether. Only her art class offers any solace, and it is through her work on an art project that she is finally able to face what really happened at that terrible party: she was raped by an upperclassman, a guy who still attends Merryweather and is still a threat to her. Her healing process has just begun when she has another violent encounter with him. But this time Melinda fights back, refuses to be silent, and thereby achieves a measure of vindication. A timeless novel about consent and finding the courage to speak up for yourself, the twentieth anniversary edition of the classic novel that has spoken to so many young adults now includes a new introduction written and read by acclaimed writer, host, speaker, and cultural commentator Ashley C. Ford as well as an afterword written and read by New York Times- bestselling author of All American Boys and Long Way Down, Jason Reynolds. This edition will also feature an updated Q&A, resource list, and essay and poem written and read by Laurie Halse Anderson. Praise for Speak : “In a stunning first novel, Anderson uses keen observations and vivid imagery to pull readers into the head of an isolated teenager. . . . Will leave readers touched and inspired .” ― Publishers Weekly , starred review “An uncannily funny book even as it plumbs the darkness, Speak will hold readers from first word to last.” ― The Horn Book , starred review Accolades for Speak : New York Times Bestseller Publishers Weekly Bestseller Michael L. Printz Honor Book National Book Award Finalist Edgar Allan Poe Award Finalist Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults ALA Quick Pick Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year Booklist Top Ten First Novel BCCB Blue Ribbon Book School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

Listen to a sample from Speak

Also by laurie halse anderson.

About Laurie Halse Anderson

Laurie Halse Anderson is a New York Times bestselling author whose writing spans young readers, teens, and new adults. Combined, her books have sold more than eight million copies. She has been twice nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award…. More about Laurie Halse Anderson

Product Details

Category: teen & young adult fiction | teen & young adult social issues | audiobooks, you may also like.

A World Without You

Picture Me Gone

The Summer Bed

Karen M. McManus 2-Book Box Set: One of Us Is Lying and One of Us Is Next

All the Earth, Thrown to the Sky

Printz Honors WINNER 2000

Visit other sites in the Penguin Random House Network

Raise kids who love to read

Today's Top Books

Want to know what people are actually reading right now?

An online magazine for today’s home cook

Just for joining you’ll get personalized recommendations on your dashboard daily and features only for members.

Need a book club book? These unforgettable titles are sure to spark discussion and debate

Books that make everyone happy make for boring book clubs. 

Discussions wrap up quickly when stories don’t invite readers to reflect. If we all interpret the story in the exact same way, relate to the exact same character, come to the same simple conclusion, well, there’s just not much to say. 

Even with books we all love, there’s only so much fan-girling that can be done. 

So I’m always looking for the books that spark conversation, and, to paraphrase Leonard Cohen, I’ve found that cracks let opinions in. I want flawed books and authors that experiment. I want books that tell new stories, or old stories in new ways. I want books that send readers down rabbit holes.

Here are books, new and old, that should lead to rousing discussions. 

Check out: USA TODAY's weekly Best-selling Booklist

Need more inspiration USA TODAY's Best-selling booklist

'Wandering Stars'

By Tommy Orange (Knopf, 336 pp.)This follow-up to his acclaimed debut, There There , takes readers through three generations of a Native family, from a survivor of the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864 to a family grappling with the opioid epidemic of modern America. 

'The Wives'

By Simone Gorrindo (Gallery/Scout Press, 416 pp.)When her husband joins the Army, Gorrindo leaves New York City and a publishing job for Columbus, Georgia, and a writing room of her own. This is a marriage memoir, but also an intimate look at the ways women support each other, the way community is needed, built, and maintained. 

'Real Americans'

By Rachel Khong (Knopf, 416pp)Told in three parts, this story of family and class considers the American dream and the limits — and ethics — of scientific discovery. How far should we go to protect our children? 

'The Cemetery of Untold Stories'

By Julia Alvarez (Algonquin, 256 pp.)The central premise here — a graveyard for unfinished books — is delicious and sets off a novel full of people remembering and revising their own stories. 

'The Fetishist'

By Katherine Min (G.P. Putnman's Sons, 304 pp.)Darkly funny and tender, the story begins with a grieving and angry young woman seeking revenge on the man who caused her mother’s death. Things go awry, memories are uncovered, and the result is an unconventional love story and an excellent look at making art. 

The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi

By Shannon Chakraborty (Harper-Voyager, 496 pp.)

A 40-year-old single mother, former pirate with a bum knee, is pulled out for a final great adventure. This rollicking fantasy is based on the story of Sinbad the Sailor and is a heist story on the high seas.

'Small Mercies'

By Dennis Lehane (Harper, 320 pp.)Boston is burning up in the summer of 1974 as schools are about to be desegregated. A girl goes missing, and a desperate mother starts asking questions that could set everything on fire. 

'Transcendent Kingdom'

By Yaa Gyasi (Vintage, 304 pp.)Gifty is a scientist shaped by religion. In the wake of her brother’s death and as she cares for her mother, she grapples with faith and tries to uncover the science of addiction. 

'A Fever in The Heartland'

By Timothy Egan (Viking, 432 pp.)Here’s history you likely did not get in school: the true story of the rise of the Ku Klux Klan in the Midwest. Although it’s nonfiction, sometimes this feels like a horror novel. (If you like the idea of narrative history, you also might consider the work of Candice Millard, Tiya Miles, David Grann, or Erik Larson.)

'The Woman in Me'

By Britney Spears (Gallery Books, 288 pp.)Celebrity memoirs are excellent book club picks because they invite conversation about pop culture. Other ones to consider: Leslie F*cking Jones, Leslie Jones; Open Book , Jessica Simpson; I’m Glad My Mom Died, Jennette McCurdy; The Storyteller , Dave Grohl 

'Mrs. Dalloway'

By Virginia Woolf (Penguin Classics, 240 pp.)Revisiting classics, particularly slim ones, is always a good idea for a book group if only because they’re easily available in many formats. Set in London between the wars, this novel and its themes of choice and memory remain remarkably relevant. 

More: 10 memoirs you'll want to read from Ashley C. Ford, Roxane Gay, Javier Zamora and more

'A Wrinkle in Time'

By Madeleine L’Engle (Ariel Books, 256 pp.)Another underrated book club choice: classic children’s books. Do we still think the story matters? Why does this story speak to children? What is it saying about our culture? It doesn’t have to be this one, though L’Engle’s time travelers are fun to revisit. Other contenders: The Westing Game, Charlotte’s Web, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry; or Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret ?

Hillary Copsey is the book advisor at The Mercantile Library in Cincinnati, Ohio.

by Laurie Halse Anderson

Speak quotes and analysis.

It is easier not to say anything. Shut your trap, button your lip, can it. All that crap you hear on TV about communication and expressing feelings is a lie. Nobody really wants to hear what you have to say. Melinda, 9

In this quote, Melinda is forthright about her belief in the benefit of silence. This statement defines Melinda's behavior for much of the novel. Its appearance in the first chapter indicates to the reader that this will be the belief that Melinda must overcome in order to be a happier and healthier person. The quote's strong, cynical tone show that Melinda does have a voice, she just does not want to use it outside of her own head.

It's as if they operate in two realities simultaneously. In one universe, they are gorgeous, straight-teethed, long-legged wrapped in designer fashions, and given sports cars on their sixteenth birthdays. Teachers smile at them and grade them on the curve. They know the first names of the staff. They are the Pride of the Trojans. Oops--I mean the Pride of the Blue Devils. In Universe #2, they throw parties wild enough to attract college students. They worship the stink of Eau de Jocque. They rent beach houses in Cancun during Spring Break and get group-rate abortions before the prom. Melinda, 30

This quote illustrates Melinda's recognition of the sexual, female role at her high school. The girls that are the craziest and most promiscuous are also the ones that are admired by teachers, parents, and students alike. Her focus on their appearance and possessions shows that it is not their personality, but how they look, that defines them in the high school world. Melinda strives to set herself apart from this female role, and her desire to avoid it is part of what keeps her from allowing herself to grow for most of the novel.

"The Constitution does not recognize different classes of citizenship based on time spent living in the country. I am a citizen, with the same rights as your son, or you. As a citizen, and as a student, I am protesting the tone of this lesson as racist, intolerant, and xenophobic." David Petrakis, 56

This is David's statement to Mr. Neck after the classroom debate on U.S. immigration. This comment causes Melinda to be impressed with David's ability to be eloquent and outspoken, even in the face of a strong authority figure. Melinda wishes that she were confident enough to stand up and make arguments like this one. Furthermore, this quote relates to Melinda's own high school struggle. The argument David makes is for societal inclusion. He protests intolerance and the denial of rights. Unfortunately for Melinda, there is no hallway constitution. Social inclusion is not something mandated at Merryweather High.

I just want to sleep. The whole point of not talking about it, of silencing the memory, is to make it go away. It won't. I'll need brain surgery to cut it out of my head. Melinda, 81-82

This quote illustrates Melinda's struggle with her own memory. As hard as she tries to forget what happened at the party in August, the memory stays with her, even if it is below the surface. At this point in the novel, she is beginning to realize that silence and repression will not lead to forgetting or healing. She means two different things when she says she wants to go to sleep. First, her anxiety has kept her awake at night and she would like to physically fall asleep. Secondly, and more metaphorically, Melinda would like to drift off to a sleep world where she is no longer Melinda and can forget about this new, unpleasant life she has found herself in since August.

"You did a good job with that Cubist sketch," he says. I don't know what to say. We pass a dead dog. It doesn't have a collar. "I'm seeing a lot of growth in your work. You are learning more than you know." Mr. Freeman and Melinda, 121

This conversation challenges the traditional young adult novel form. Usually, a coming-of-age story will feature a struggling teenager searching for an older and wiser adult to be their confidant. This conversation presents the reverse. Melinda lacks the capacity to respond to someone reaching out to help her. She instead focuses on the dead dog on the side of the road, because she is not yet ready to recognize and accept help. This is also an example of a method Anderson uses to show the reader the gap between Melinda's perception, which is our window into the world of the novel, and what those who perceive Melinda from the outside see. Like Ivy, Mr. Freeman sees something in Melinda's art, and herself, that Melinda can't yet.

Hawthorne wanted snow to symbolize cold, that's what I think. Cold and silence. Nothing quieter than snow. The sky screams to deliver it, a hundred banshees flying on the edge of the blizzard. But once the snow covers the ground, it hushes as still as my heart. Melinda, 130

This is Melinda's response to Hairwoman's continued discussions of symbolism in Nathanial Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter . It serves two purposes. First, Melinda connects herself with the novel by saying, "it hushes as still as my heart." This shows recognition of her similarity to Hester Prynne, the protagonist of The Scarlet Letter . Melinda too feels isolated and alone because of the consequences of a sexual act, though for her Melinda it was forced. Secondly, this quote is representative of Melinda's seasonal mood changes. During the winter, she is at her most alone and depressed. She is as quiet as the snow.

I'm trying to remember how we got on the ground and where the moon went and wham! shirt up, shorts down, and the ground smells wet and dark and NO!--I'm not really here, I'm definitely back at Rachel's crimping my hair and gluing on fake nails, and he smells like beer and mean and he hurts me hurts me hurts me and gets up and zips his jeans. and smiles. Melinda, 135-136

This is the only point in the book in which there is a complete disregard for grammar rules. Anderson instead writes Melinda's account of the rape in the same way that her memory would construct it. Traumatic events are not stored in a normal, linear fashion, but in bits and pieces with overlapping thoughts. Because of their non-verbal construction, painful memories are also harder to talk about. Although much of Melinda's commentary is non-linear and fragmented, this passage is noticeably abnormally so, highlighting how difficult the event is for her to verbalize, even inside her head.

"But you got it wrong. The suffragettes were all about speaking up, screaming for their rights. You can't speak up for your right to be silent. That's letting the bad guys win." David Petrakis, 159

David Petrakis tells Melinda this after she informs him that she received a "D" on her extra credit report. This quote illustrates Melinda's female voicelessness by contrasting her with some of the most outspoken females from history. This quote also challenges Melinda's viewpoint on silence and encourages her to regain her voice, and highlights how David is an encouraging male figure, like Mr. Freeman, in contrast to the violent Andy and repressive Mr. Neck.

"He's not chopping it down. He's saving it. Those branches were long dead from disease. All plants are like that. By cutting off the damage, you make it possible for the tree to grow again. You watch--by the end of summer, this tree will be the strongest on the block." Melinda's father, 187

Melinda's father says this to a passing child who asks why the arborists are chopping down the oak tree. The quote could be as easily applied to the tree as it could be to Melinda. Melinda has many branches that are dead from disease. At the end of the novel, she realizes that she needs to cut off these dead, damaged branches, no matter how painful it may be to do so, in order to grow again. This quote gives the reader hope that once Melinda does this, like the oak tree, she will be one of the strongest around.

IT happened. There is no avoiding it, no forgetting. No running away, or flying, or burying, or hiding. Andy Evans raped me in August when I was drunk and too young to know what was happening. It wasn't my fault. He hurt me. It wasn't my fault. And I am not going to let it kill me. I can grow. Melinda, 198

This is Melinda's moment of realization. She now knows that she cannot escape the memory of her rape and she recognizes that she should not feel guilty. It was not her fault. This quote indicates Melinda's growth in mental health and confidence, as well as the influence that the revelation of her secret had on her. After saying this, Melinda agrees to tell her entire story to Mr. Freeman. She is finally ready to recognize and accept help because she is no longer running away from her memory, and she has turned her loathing away from herself and to Andy, its proper object.

Speak Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Speak is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

What aspect of The Scarlet Letter does Hairwoman seem obsessed with?

Hairwoman is obsessed with the symbolism in The Scarlet Letter.

How is Mr. Freeman keeping track of grades in his art class?

Mr. Frreman doesn't give grades, but rather, evaluates his students' work and paints his evaluations in a list on the wall.

what problems are people having with mr.freemans assignment? what advice does he give to help them? from pages 20-26

Mr. Freeman's assignment is rather abstract. He wants students to pick an object that metaphorically speaks to the person who views it. I think Mr. Freeman tells them to listen to themselves.

Study Guide for Speak

Speak study guide contains a biography of Laurie Halse Anderson, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Speak
• Speak Summary
• Character List

Essays for Speak

Speak essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson.

• The Power of Words: A Speak Analysis
• From Wishbones to Wings: The Symbolism of Birds in "Speak"
• The Factors That Helped Melinda Recover
• Sexual Assault in Speak

Lesson Plan for Speak

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to Speak
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• Speak Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for Speak

• Introduction
• Literature and film
• Organizations