Essay On The Impacts Of Communication In Anderson's Speak

The Impacts of Communication on an Individual’s Personality
“When people don't express themselves, they die one piece at a time” (Anderson 122). People tend to repress their feelings when an unpleasant event occurs fearing the judgemental society which can have a major negative impact on one’s mental health and personality. A freshman in highschool and protagonist of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, is an introverted but very creative student, turns into a victim of sexual assault. Due to the traumatic experience, Melinda is unable to communicate her trauma with anyone, as for a ninth grader entering the rigorous world of adolescence, it is hard for her to navigate and communicate her thoughts and feelings regarding such a traumatic experience

To begin with, Melinda loses her best friend Rachel, as Melinda was unable to express her thoughts and feelings in front of her, this gave rise to misunderstandings between the two. “I don't want to be cool. I want to grab her by the neck and shake her and scream at her to stop treating me like dirt. She didn't even bother to find out the truth – what kind of friend is that?” (Anderson 21). Melinda was unable to tell her best friend, Rachel, that she had gone through sexual assult. Melinda was desperate to explain herself to Rachel but she couldn’t since she struggled to find her voice causing misunderstandings between her and Rachel which led to her losing a friend. Additionally, Melinda not only lost her best friend Rachel, but lost her to her rapist, Andy Evans. “I can’t do it today, I can’t escape the arguments circling my head. Why worry about Rachel/Rachelle? (He’ll hurt her)” (Anderson 149). Melinda watches and listens to Rachel gush about Andy Evans but is not able to tell her the truth about how dangerous of an outcome he can be. It can be noticed that Melinda still had some sympathy and concern for Rachel even after everything she did. Furthermore, Melinda has a very hard time forming new friendships due to her silence. Heather says “excuse me for saying this, but you are no fun to be around and I think you need professional help” (Anderson 105). Melinda’s introverted personality led to her being unable to form new friendships demonstrated through her relationship with Heather. Heather was a new girl at school, unaware of the situation that had occurred with Melinda in the past summer, formed a close bond with Melinda. But as Melinda started to perceive Heather as her best friend, Heather found out the rumours about Melinda. Melinda, unable to clear up her name and communicate