The truth is hard to say. Sometimes it’s scary. Sometimes it doesn’t seem like enough. Other times, it reveals unknown strength and power. Likewise, in the realistic fiction novel Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, Melinda Sordino and David Petrakis use their voices to show the world that they will not be silenced. Melinda “loses her voice” due to a traumatic event. By the end of the novel, she finally finds it and exercises it against her assailant, Andy Evans. David uses his voice to teach others how to use theirs and to fight their unjust teacher, Mr. Neck. By the end of the novel, both Melinda and David use their voices to confidently express themselves.
Through the novel, Melinda regains her voice and self-confidence, despite her assault,
Through the novel, Melinda regains her voice and self-confidence, despite her assault,