Character
Who is Melinda's ex friend and girlfriend of "IT"?
Rachel Bruin
What symbolizes Melinda's growth and healing process throughout the novel?
The tree.
What school did Melinda Sordino attend?
She attended Merryweather High School.
How does Melinda open up about her rape to her former friends, Rachel?
She writes Rachel a note explaining what happened at the party and who was responsible.
"My closet is a good thing, a quiet palace that helps me hold these thoughts inside my head where no one can hear them" (51).
This quote represents isolation.
Who is consider, The Beast, "IT"? Melinda antagonist in the novel.
Andy Evans, a senior at Merryweather High School. He is known for being rich and popular. He is the person who raped Melinda Sordino.
What do mirrors symbolize?
It symbolizes Melinda's struggle with her identity and self-perception. Facing things directly and looking at the mirror without any false appearances.
Melinda's personal sanctuary in the school. She transforms this place into a place where she can feel safe in school.
The Janitors Closet.
What does Melinda do when Mr. Neck forces Melinda to read her report in class?
Melinda doesn't speak during her presentation but uses a written message to express her refusal to be forced to share her presentation. In other words, silent protest.
"I have entered high school with the wrong hair, the wrong clothes, the wrong attitude. And I don’t have anyone to sit with. I am Outcast."
This quote represents coming of age.
Who, and why called the police to report on the summer party in "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson?
Melinda Sordino calls the police after being raped by Andy Evans, but she as unable to communicate what happened to her at the time.
What does the janitor's closet symbolize?
The janitor's closet symbolizes Melinda hiding and isolating herself. It is Melinda safe space, an escape of the pressure of speaking.
A setting where Melinda finds comfort and learns how to express herself through art.
The art room.
How do Melinda's parents communicate with her?
They communicate by leaving notes on the refrigerator.
What is the main theme in "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson?
The main theme is the struggle to find one's voice after trauma. Since, Melinda was healing and finding her own identity throughout the novel.
Who is the social studies teacher who becomes antagonistic towards Melinda, forcing her to speak in front of the class?
Mr. Neck is known for being strict and tough. He pressures Melinda, which makes it harder for her to express herself.
What animal does Melinda's compare herself to, what does this symbolize?
Rabbit symbolizes fear and vulnerability.
A place that shows Melinda's difficult relationship with her parents. A place of isolation, and disconnection.
Melinda's Home.
Where does Melinda go when she skips school?
She walks around main street, and other time she goes to the mall.
"You are on fire, Melinda, I can see it in your eyes. You are caught up in the meaning, in the subjectivity of the effect of commercialism on this holiday. This is wonderful, wonderful! Be the bird. You are the bird. Sacrifice yourself to abandoned family values and canned yams."
This quote represent healing power of art.
Who is the art teacher who played a significant role in Melinda's journey of self-discovery and healing?
Mr. Freeman, he is supportive and teaches Melinda how to express herself through art.
What does Melinda lips symbolize?
Melinda's lips symbolize her inability to speak out about her trauma from the summer party.
It takes place before the start of Melinda's freshman year of high school; it is where the traumatic incident happened.
The summer party.
How does Melinda's incident affect her negatively.
It caused her to withdraw socially, intense emotional distress, and struggling to connect with her family/friends.
"This closet is abandoned—it has no purpose, no name. It is the perfect place for me"
This quote represents identity.