Analytical Essay On Speak By Laurie Halse Anderson

Speak In the book Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson we see the main character, Melinda, grow as a person against great adversity. Speak is a very powerful book with relatable characters. Speak shows us another side of a story we usually don't get see. We first see Melinda as she is entering her first year of high school. She is considered an outcast. This is because everyone believes she called the police on a party in the summer. Little do they know she was sexually assaulted by a fellow classmate Andy Evans . This books message is that nothing is hopeless. Good things can come out of a bad situation.

Because of the situation Andy put Melinda in, she finds a new passion for art. Art is the only subject Melinda has consistently worked hard in all year. Not only does she show a love for the class but she also starts working on her art projects outside of school. Mr. Freeman comments “You are on fire, Melinda, I can see it in your eyes. You are caught up in the meaning.” Mr. Freeman saw Melinda's passion for art. Art was like therapy for Melinda, she could show her emotions without having to talk about them.”The art room is one of the places I feel safe.” Melinda uses art as an escape. Mr. Freeman and the other people

Melinda met a potential love interest, David Petrakis. ‘“Come on, Mel. You gotta come with us!”’ Even though Melinda was very unpopular, David was kind to Mel. He invited her to a party even though everyone hates Mel because she called the police at a party in the summer. Melinda also became close friends with Ivy, a girl from her old friend group. “ Ivy and me have sort of been friendly the last few weeks.” Throughout the novel Mel believed everyone hated her - especially her old friend group, but Ivy had consistently been kind to Melinda unlike the rest of her old friends. In the end, Ivy was one the people who helped Melinda get her confidence back and speak out about