Imagine going through something so traumatic, that in a way, it separates you from the rest of the world, completely tearing you from your self-worth and confidence. Women in the USA are constantly being sexually, and mentally abused by men. Unfortunately, most don’t have the courage to speak up and defend themselves. This topic relates to Laure Halse Anderson’s novel, Speak, where the protagonist, Melinda Sordino, must endure a brutal attack one horrid night and suffer the consequences for not speaking up. It is when her so called “bestfriend” Rachelle and she attend a party, and soon to be senior, Andy Evans, preyed upon the weak, raping Melinda. She chose to bury the secret so deep and keep quiet about it that it hinders her capability of
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For instance, it is when Melinda has finally stood up to Andy Evans that she started to transform back into the girl she once was. In the final words of Speak, Melinda says to herself, “My tree is definitely breathing,” found on page 196. This symbolizes the rebirth of Melinda Sordino. Now that Melinda has finally regained her self-worth and confidence, she is starting to look at things in a more positive manner. These feelings such as happiness and joy are being shown through her picture. Once again, Melinda’s art is saying everything she would ever want to say. The “old Melinda” has returned, and she is starting to move on from her past and focus on her future. She once says to Mr. Freeman, “Maybe I’ll be an artist when I grow up,” found on page 78. This shows that Melinda has been extremely influenced by art. Art class has been the one thing that has keep Melinda sane through all of the chaos. Melinda sees art as her escape, showing her emotions and what she is feeling though it, so she doesn’t have to speak. Art has definitely given Melinda another chance to enjoy high school and more importantly a new chance in life! That is certainly something that Melinda will be forever grateful
For instance, it is when Melinda has finally stood up to Andy Evans that she started to transform back into the girl she once was. In the final words of Speak, Melinda says to herself, “My tree is definitely breathing,” found on page 196. This symbolizes the rebirth of Melinda Sordino. Now that Melinda has finally regained her self-worth and confidence, she is starting to look at things in a more positive manner. These feelings such as happiness and joy are being shown through her picture. Once again, Melinda’s art is saying everything she would ever want to say. The “old Melinda” has returned, and she is starting to move on from her past and focus on her future. She once says to Mr. Freeman, “Maybe I’ll be an artist when I grow up,” found on page 78. This shows that Melinda has been extremely influenced by art. Art class has been the one thing that has keep Melinda sane through all of the chaos. Melinda sees art as her escape, showing her emotions and what she is feeling though it, so she doesn’t have to speak. Art has definitely given Melinda another chance to enjoy high school and more importantly a new chance in life! That is certainly something that Melinda will be forever grateful