Silence is uncommon today when sharing what is on everyone’s mind is just a click away. Malala Yousafzai expresses that, “We realize the importance of our voice only when we are silenced.” Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson follows the freshman year after the rape of Melinda Sordino who struggles between keeping her mouth shut and using her voice against her attacker. The novel explores the crippling power of being voiceless to illustrate the importance of speaking up. Melinda demonstrates the difficulty of confession when no one will listen, preventing healing and justice. Yet, silence helps to focus on the implication behind the words without the distraction of noise and careless speech. Speak by Laurie Anderson emphasizes the power of voice by contrasting silence and being silenced, illustrating the consequences of speaking against injustice, giving Melinda a chance to be heard and highlighting the meaning.
The novel Speak illustrates that there is a wide gap that differentiates silence and being silenced. The main character, Melinda’s, muteness is initially perceived as a rebellious choice, however, it is revealed that her voice was taken away from her out of …show more content…
Powerful voices are hindered when they are overshadowed by fear and shame because it isolates from relationships, healing, and personal growth. Speaking out is able to encourage those that are listening because it dispels loneliness, however, that is only effective if there are people to listen. Although silence manifests itself negatively, choosing silence empowers voice because it emphasizes thinking before speaking, actions, and observation. Throughout Speak, Melinda suffers because of her silence, however, speaking against Andy transforms her. Voices should not be neglected because they have the power to make positive
The novel Speak illustrates that there is a wide gap that differentiates silence and being silenced. The main character, Melinda’s, muteness is initially perceived as a rebellious choice, however, it is revealed that her voice was taken away from her out of …show more content…
Powerful voices are hindered when they are overshadowed by fear and shame because it isolates from relationships, healing, and personal growth. Speaking out is able to encourage those that are listening because it dispels loneliness, however, that is only effective if there are people to listen. Although silence manifests itself negatively, choosing silence empowers voice because it emphasizes thinking before speaking, actions, and observation. Throughout Speak, Melinda suffers because of her silence, however, speaking against Andy transforms her. Voices should not be neglected because they have the power to make positive