Speak

In a world of hate there is no one to run to. Feeling alone and isolated is just the start. Depression hurts, especially for Melinda Sordino, the main character in the book Speak, written by Laurie Halse Anderson. Melinda a 14 year old girl, calls the cops at a college party when things start to get out of control. But what happens when school starts up again, and nobody talks to her? Things take a turn for the worst, as seen through the symbolism.

First, Melinda’s parents are a huge part of symbolism in the book. Not only does going to school suck the life and happiness out of Melinda, but going home isn’t much better, due to the fact that her parents are always fighting. For example on page 35 and 36, Melinda and her parents are sitting at the dinner table, and they are yelling at Melinda and each other about her grades. Melinda’s parents represent anger and frustration, they feel like they have failed in life, and are only making it worse by taking it out on Melinda.

Although her parents do make an impression in her life, mirrors truly do reflect Melinda inside and out. Melinda’s personality is troublesome; depending on her mood, she can be a totally different person. For example on page 44 Heather and Melinda were best friends, complimenting each other and laughing together. But on page 178 and 179 Heather expects Melinda to help her decorate for prom, even if she just blew her off as a friend. Even though it's pretty obvious Melinda is in need of a really good friend, she doesn’t take Heather back; she stands up for herself and says no! This part of the book really shows Melinda breaking out of her shell, which is why it resembles mirrors. Melinda used to be just another face in the crowd, just another ordinary mirror, but at the end of the book Melinda steps up and faces her fears, which also indicates the mirror breaking and Melinda becoming a new person.

While mirrors reflect Melinda’s personality, trees show the good times and bad of Melinda’s life. During Melinda’s freshman year many things happen, for the better and for the worst. Some includes losing a best friend, being hated by the whole school, making a good friend, and learning to express her feelings. Trees are a big part throughout this whole book, every time something good happens Melinda’s tree gets stronger and more powerful, but every time something bad happen it pulls the tree down. Throughout this story Melinda has learned how to balance out the way the tree grows, and to cope with her own feelings.

Overall Speak truly captures the heart and soul of its readers. Not only does Speak make you think about how good you have it, but it also makes you feel the pain of the character. Between the emotions and the character this book truly is a tragedy. But rest assure Speak is a one of a kind book, and so is every little piece of symbolism in it.