3.1 Parents in the novel “Daniel Isn't Talking”
3.1.1 Melanie
Melanie Marsh is the main character of the novel Daniel Isn't Talking. She is the mother of an autistic boy named Daniel and his non-handicapped sister Emily.1 In chapter five of the novel, Melanie learns that her son is autistic.2
When Melanie and her husband Stephen get the diagnosis, Melanie is shattered. Her first thoughts revolve around her son and she feels guilty, like she has “ruined him” and “let him down”.3 Melanie then thinks about her son's physical appearance and how it is flawless. She also cannot focus on what the doctor says, does not manage to respond to questions and when she can finally hold her son in her arms she squeezes him and has trouble letting go.4 On
3.1.1 Melanie
Melanie Marsh is the main character of the novel Daniel Isn't Talking. She is the mother of an autistic boy named Daniel and his non-handicapped sister Emily.1 In chapter five of the novel, Melanie learns that her son is autistic.2
When Melanie and her husband Stephen get the diagnosis, Melanie is shattered. Her first thoughts revolve around her son and she feels guilty, like she has “ruined him” and “let him down”.3 Melanie then thinks about her son's physical appearance and how it is flawless. She also cannot focus on what the doctor says, does not manage to respond to questions and when she can finally hold her son in her arms she squeezes him and has trouble letting go.4 On