Speak Questions And Answers

1. Melinda Sordino is a selectively mute high school freshman. She avoids speech unless absolutely necessary and misbehaves in interesting ways to try to give meaning to her own existence or to avoid the pain she feels so deeply. Melinda becomes silent and secretive; she becomes distrustful of people. Because of Melinda's strong internal voice, it’s clear that she is not weak. To the contrary, she is witty and clever, observing those around her.
Other characters accept the rules, systems and structures put in place, but Melinda often pokes fun at them. Melinda is bright and perceptive, and as a result, she sees things for what they truly are. Unlike other students, Melinda notices the contrast of outward appearances and the reality underneath. For instance, while others worship the cheerleaders, Melinda wonders how they can sleep with the football team, only to be reborn as “virginal goddesses” the next day (29).
2.
Speak is set in Syracuse, New York, in the Merryweather neighborhood and Merryweather High School in the present day. The duration of events is approximately one year.
3. The main theme of Speak is that silence has a place and a purpose, but sometimes speaking loudly, risky as it can be, is necessary. Throughout the novel, she finds several methods of communication, aside from speech. Some are beneficial, like channeling her emotions into art and science, while others, like scratching her wrists and chewing her lips, don't communicate what she wants them to. Speaking is the most challenging but rewarding method of communicating; no matter how effective her coping methods are, they will never give Melinda the kind of relief that speaking