What are some symbols in speak?

What are some symbols in speak?

Speak Symbols

• Trees, Seeds, Plants, and Forests. Near the beginning of the novel, Melinda is assigned a tree as her yearlong assignment in art class.
• Birds.
• Melinda’s Closet.
• Melinda’s Bedroom.
• Mirrors.
• Lips.
• Blood.
• Water, Ice, and Melting.

What do Melinda’s lips symbolize in speak?

For much of the story, Melinda’s lips are described as cracked, swollen and dry. The ugliness of her mouth represents the ugliness and shame she feels inside as well as her inability to take care of herself. Later, as Melinda begins to heal and learns to speak about the rape, the condition of her lips improves.

What is the theme in speak?

One theme of Speak is finding one’s voice. Another theme in the novel is identity. The story can also be viewed as speaking out against violence and victimization. Melinda feels guilty, even though she was a victim of sexual assault.

What does the mirror symbolize in speak?

Mirrors. Mirrors symbolize Melinda’s self-hatred. After the attack, she can’t look at herself in the mirror. She blames herself for what happened: she was drunk and she didn’t say no, so she thinks she has no one to blame but herself.

Who is in detention with Melinda?

Mr. Neck is supervising Melinda along with two other students, one of whom is a skinhead, and the other of whom is a pyromaniac. The punishment becomes a nightmare, however, when Andy Evans (whom Melinda now calls Andy Beast) enters the room and sits down next to her.

Why does Mr Freeman give Melinda a book on Picasso?

By Laurie Halse Anderson Mr. Freeman sees that Melinda is stuck and he thinks that learning about Pablo Picasso (the famous Spanish artist) will inspire her. He puts the book about Picasso in front of Melinda and she reads. Melinda notices that Picasso drew lots of nude women.

What is Miss in speak?

In Anderson’s work, MISS stands for Merryweather In School Suspension. This is where Melinda is sent for her cutting school. Essentially, the room is a place where those who are not understood by school authority is sent.

What does Melinda write on the bathroom wall?

Melinda asks for one of Ivy’s markers. She writes “Guys to Stay Away From” (81.22) on the wall. She puts Andy Evan down as number one, then shows Ivy her masterpiece.

How does Melinda warn Rachel?

Melinda writes Rachel a note to warn her about Andy. How does Melinda warn Rachel about Andy? David Petrakis tells Melinda that she shouldn’t expect a difference if she doesn’t speak up for herself. He tells her this after she refused to present her extra credit report to their social studies class.

Why does Mr Freeman give Melinda a hard time?

Why does Mr. Freeman give Melinda a hard time? He knows she can do better.

What does Mr Freeman say about Melinda’s tree?

Freeman critiques Melinda’s tree progress. He says the tree is not truly “alive” and that Melinda needs to put herself into it.

Why does Melinda cry in the bathroom?

She cries in the bathroom partially because she is hurt by their comments, and partially because she knows that even Heather can join a clique, but she cannot. At the end of the First Marking Period, Melinda sees IT for the first time. This serves as a key clue to Melinda’s secret….

What does Melinda realize on her mental health day?

During Melinda’s mental health day, she is finally able to say what happened to her: rape. The ability to admit what happened gives her the freedom to try and move on….

Who does Melinda call Hairwoman?

Hairwoman is Melinda’s English teacher, so named for the crazy hairdo that covers her face. Melinda seems to feel a mixture of pity and admiration for Hairwoman.

What is Melinda’s last name in speak?

Melinda “Mel” Sordino

Who is Mr neck in the book speak?

Neck is Melinda’s social studies teacher. He’s portrayed as a silly man who abuses his authority. Mr. Neck brings an interesting debate to Speak when he claims that immigrants kept his son from getting a job.

What does Melinda do inside of Mr Freeman’s car?

She accepts, and warms up in the cozy car while Mr. Freeman drives. He compliments her on her cubist tree, saying she’s improved a lot as an artist, even though she probably doesn’t see it.

What word does it whisper to Melinda?

Freshmeat

Which item symbolizes Melinda’s life?

How is the new spring season a symbol for what is taking place in Melinda’s life? Spring is a symbol of growth and rebirth. After standing up to Heather, Melinda realizes she is ready to come alive again after feeling dead for so long.

What does the rabbit symbolize in speak?

The Rabbit represents Melinda as the prey and Andy Evans as the wolf / predator. Every time she sees Andy Evans, she keeps on running away from him and her feelings of shame, fear, anger, and anguish bursts her mind. The rabbit symbolizes a victim by the wolf, which is so weak and vulnerable.

What does Melinda’s bedroom symbolize?

While Melinda’s closet is a haven for her hide from her new, traumatized existence, her bedroom is a symbol of the childhood innocence that she has lost. Adorned with pink roses, the room looks like a child’s, and throughout the novel, Melinda feels out-of-place and uncomfortable within it.

What is Melinda’s goal right now in life?

Unfortunately, everything has changed, and she is now an outcast in her school. Melinda’s goal is simply to go back to experiencing life as a normal teenager. She is initially motivated to get her friends back and become popular again. Melinda’s goal is also to emotionally recover from her traumatic experience.

What did Melinda do that has caused everyone at school to hate her?

What did Melinda do that has caused everyone in school to hate her? Melinda called the cops at Kyle Rodgers’s party at the end of the summer. Explain why David Petrakis walks out of Mr. Neck’s class.