Speak Laurie Halse Anderson Character Analysis
In the book, “Speak” by, Laurie Halse Anderson, we are taken on a journey through the life of a young girl, named Melinda Sordino. We quickly learn that Melinda is a rape survivor that becomes mute after encountering sexual violence at a party during summer break, right before the start of her freshman year of high school. Melinda carries the burden of this secret with her in shame and in silence, from the hallways of her school to the doors of her home; internally isolating herself from everyone.
However, she seems to have one friend, Heather, who is terribly desperate for popularity and validation. Heather even tries to get Melinda to join in on her attempts to climb the social ladder and gain status, but to no avail. Melinda is far too …show more content…
We see her become more sociable and a little more open about what has happened to her. Suddenly, Melinda is overcome with relief because her conscious is free and she feels a weight has been lifted from her. Taking her life back in big and small ways, Melinda gets involved in outdoor activities and dedicates herself more to her tree project. She even severs her friendship with Heather and reconciles former friendships. But before the school year can end, Andy returns to steal away the hope for a life he sees Melinda has regained. Confining her to the janitor's closet, Andy tries to force himself on her again. Melinda fights him off and is quickly respected among her peers for coming forward in her abuse without allowing it to completely silence her; like Andy's violence has done to so many other girls. Melinda finishes her school year strong by completing the tree she's worked so hard on and opens up to her teachers.
In closing, it is ironic that I see Melinda's story as a metaphor just like the tree she created. A seed of shame was planted inside of Melinda, and just as a tree she silently grew. Processing every painful moment, sprouting slowly. Yet, growing steadily in her own strength without anyone's knowledge. Only to rise from the dirt as tall and bold as the tree she
However, she seems to have one friend, Heather, who is terribly desperate for popularity and validation. Heather even tries to get Melinda to join in on her attempts to climb the social ladder and gain status, but to no avail. Melinda is far too …show more content…
We see her become more sociable and a little more open about what has happened to her. Suddenly, Melinda is overcome with relief because her conscious is free and she feels a weight has been lifted from her. Taking her life back in big and small ways, Melinda gets involved in outdoor activities and dedicates herself more to her tree project. She even severs her friendship with Heather and reconciles former friendships. But before the school year can end, Andy returns to steal away the hope for a life he sees Melinda has regained. Confining her to the janitor's closet, Andy tries to force himself on her again. Melinda fights him off and is quickly respected among her peers for coming forward in her abuse without allowing it to completely silence her; like Andy's violence has done to so many other girls. Melinda finishes her school year strong by completing the tree she's worked so hard on and opens up to her teachers.
In closing, it is ironic that I see Melinda's story as a metaphor just like the tree she created. A seed of shame was planted inside of Melinda, and just as a tree she silently grew. Processing every painful moment, sprouting slowly. Yet, growing steadily in her own strength without anyone's knowledge. Only to rise from the dirt as tall and bold as the tree she