Speak

Silence is like leaves surrounding a tree- the more there is, the less you can see of what is underneath. Melinda Sordino's ungodly silence has made her a tree with so many leaves that no one can see what is inside her, or hear her silent cries for help. All of her feelings are deeply concealed under her leaves of silence. However, if you look deeply into her recuring flashbacks, and twisted memories, you can see what lies beneath Melinda's overgrowth and uncover the roots that lead to her silent secret that is straining to make itself known. Although Melinda may not speak the words that need to be heard, you can look deep into symbolism of this book and not only hear her words, but feel them too.

There are many symbols that make themselves known in "Speak". Each of them are relevant in the novel. They give a deeper meaning to the book and give the reader the opportunity to make the book something that they can study and understand. Symbolism is an art that all great writers can master, making their book more personal. Also, symbolism can be included in the cover too. This is the situation in "Speak" because Laurie Halse Anderson took every opportunity to bring symbolism into her book.

Just the cover of "Speak" draws people in because it looks like an abstract piece of art that was smothered in symbolism. Also the title is "Speak" yet the person has no mouth. This book's natural effect is to draw people in, and find out what lies behind the binding. There may be a lot to study on the outside of the book, but there is magnificent symbolism inside the book. These examples can be found throughout the book and each help shape Melinda's personality.

Melinda has a reputation fit for a mere bug on the school floor- She is a horror to look at, and has no voice to save her life. But the symbolism in the book helped clear her name. On piece of text evidence that displays Melinda's true colors and helps support the idea that she is a regular teenager is on page 85: "Words are hard work. I hope they send Hairwoman to a conference or something. I'm ready to help pay for a sub." This passage demonstrates Melinda's typical teenage attitude toward school work and also brings out her distinct humorous personality. There are many other aspects of this novel that also require thorough analyzing.

On page 123, Melinda is confronted with her art teacher who tells her that he thinks she is a "good kid" and says "I think you have a lot to say. I'd like to hear it". Melinda reacts to this kind of confrontation by closing the door on him in both literal and symbolic terms. This is a symbol because the one time that someone is willing to help her, she is frozen with fear and caught off guard. She has been "closing the door" on people her whole life. But as time drones on- Melinda begins to break the silence.

All Melinda's life she has been a tree too overpowered by her leaves to be seen at the heart. But symbolism has highlighted Melinda's change as a person and shown people what lies beneath all the pain and resentment. Melinda begins shedding the past, as does she with her leaves. Therefore leaving Melinda free, and her tree- Deciduous.