SPEAK

Bibliography:

Anderson,Laurie Halse. 1999. SPEAK. New York. Penguin Group. ISBN 014131088x

Plot Summary:

Melinda, a high school freshman, is the protagonist of the story. After a horrific incident of which she can tell no one, she spirals into a dark depression, losing her ability to speak with ease. Abandoned by her friends, finding solace in her closet at school, all Melinda has left is her dedication to her art. It is this dedication that allows her to grow until she eventually sees herself as a survivor rather than as a victim. Melinda discovers that the only way to overcome evil is to speak out against it.

Critical Analysis:

Anderson uses the first person to advance the storyline in SPEAK. Her use of flashback, via Melinda remembering past events, and monologues, via a running commentary within Melinda’s thoughts, propel the story to its conclusion. Anderson’s use of symbolism is strong. For example, she uses trees to reflect Melinda’s struggles. Anderson writes of Melinda’s outward struggle determining which art medium best represents a tree while inwardly Melinda is struggling with her past. The tree in Melinda’s front yard is an additional representation of this struggle. The tree has a damaged branch, and Melinda’s father states “By cutting off the damage, you make it possible for the tree to grow again.” Another example of symbolism is Anderson’s use of closets. Melinda uses closets to escape from her surroundings. At school, she discovers an abandoned janitor’s closet which she cleans and then decorates with personal items from home, including a poster of Maya Angelou, the poet who had experienced the same trauma as had Melinda; at home Melinda sits in her bedroom closet with clothes stuffed her mouth to stifle her screams. Not being able to find another person with which to share feelings, Melinda chooses closets as her shelters and shields.

The main theme of this story is the strength of character. Anderson shows the reader that it is their choice to stay in the closet and be miserable or come out and find ways to deal with their difficulties and traumas. Once Melinda confronts her demons, she shows her strength of character by choosing the latter course. 

Experts Reviews:

“The book's overall gritty realism and Melinda's hard-won metamorphosis will leave readers touched and inspired.” Publishers Weekly

“Melinda's sarcastic wit, honesty, and courage make her a memorable character whose ultimate triumph will inspire and empower readers.” Booklist

“Melinda's sarcastic wit, honesty, and courage make her a memorable character whose ultimate triumph will inspire and empower readers.” Audiofile

“An uncannily funny book even as it plumbs the darkness, Speak will hold readers from first word to last.” The Horn Book

Connections:

Read other books by Laurie Halse Anderson:

PROM, Viking, 2005.

CATALYST, Viking, 2002.

FEVER 1793, Viking, 2000.