As evident throughout the novel Speak, Melinda develops numerous relationships with a variety of characters, one of which includes Melinda's friend Ivy. This particular relationship begins turbulent start when Melinda remarks that "She won't look back at me. I wish I could sit with her," (10) during the first day of school. Their first encounter of the school year leaves Melinda with a vague feeling of loneliness as every one of her middle school friends, including Ivy, abandon her. Though Melinda and Ivy's relationship begin to take shape during the second marking period. While Melinda works on her turkey bone sculpture, Ivy comments that "It's scary... Like, you don't want to look at it too long. Good job, Mel," (64). This sudden comment
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Melinda's art teacher, Mr. Freeman, is also able to make a profound impact in Melinda's life. Despite the fact that Melinda portrays Mr. Freeman "… like a stilt walking circus guy," (10) Melinda has a positive first impression of him, whereas Melinda is mostly unnoticed by Mr. Freeman. However, Mr. Freeman begins to take notice of Melinda's work over the course of the novel. When Melinda suggests that she should make a sculpture out of turkey bones, Mr. Freeman encourages Melinda to "… work on the bird but keep thinking tree." (61) Mr. Freeman's comment incidentally helps Melinda find another medium to express her thoughts and emotions other than speaking. This, in turn, allows Mr. Freeman to better understand what Melinda is thinking about. Furthermore, when Mr. Freeman drives Melinda to Effert's, Mr. Freeman expresses his thoughts that Melinda is "… a good kid. I think you have a lot to say. I'd like to hear it." (123) This occurrence helps Melinda realise that there are people in her life who are willing to hear what Melinda has to say, unlike what she thinks previously. Through their relationship, Melinda is able to learn various lessons about herself and life in general from Mr. Freeman. At the request of Mr. Freeman, Melinda discovers "Cubism. Seeing beyond what is on the surface." (119)
Melinda's art teacher, Mr. Freeman, is also able to make a profound impact in Melinda's life. Despite the fact that Melinda portrays Mr. Freeman "… like a stilt walking circus guy," (10) Melinda has a positive first impression of him, whereas Melinda is mostly unnoticed by Mr. Freeman. However, Mr. Freeman begins to take notice of Melinda's work over the course of the novel. When Melinda suggests that she should make a sculpture out of turkey bones, Mr. Freeman encourages Melinda to "… work on the bird but keep thinking tree." (61) Mr. Freeman's comment incidentally helps Melinda find another medium to express her thoughts and emotions other than speaking. This, in turn, allows Mr. Freeman to better understand what Melinda is thinking about. Furthermore, when Mr. Freeman drives Melinda to Effert's, Mr. Freeman expresses his thoughts that Melinda is "… a good kid. I think you have a lot to say. I'd like to hear it." (123) This occurrence helps Melinda realise that there are people in her life who are willing to hear what Melinda has to say, unlike what she thinks previously. Through their relationship, Melinda is able to learn various lessons about herself and life in general from Mr. Freeman. At the request of Mr. Freeman, Melinda discovers "Cubism. Seeing beyond what is on the surface." (119)