Jacob Sutton 808
SPEAK
By
Laurie Halse Anderson
Laurie
Halse Andersons's Speak, tells the story of Melinda who has been a
victim of "date rape" (in this case, she was raped while at a party
with friends). Melinda begins her first day of high school as an
outcast. No one will talk to her since she called the cops during a big
party over the summer because of the horrible event that took place at this
party. None of the kids at school know why Melinda called the cops, nor
has Melinda spoken to anyone about it, including her classmates, teachers or
her parents. Most of Melinda's trauma affects her ability to
communicate with those close to her.
One
example of this is that Melinda becomes nearly unable to speak. In a sense,
she is almost mute. "It's easier not to say anything," she
thinks. "Shut your trap, button your lip, can it. All that
crap you hear on TV about communication and expressing feelings is a lie.
Nobody really wants to hear what you have to say." Melinda seems to
want to hurt and hide herself as she bites her lips until they are scarred and
bleeding. She soon gains weight and wears baggy clothes to school
because this raping has really affected her. She doesn't want to look in
the mirror. Melinda is unable to move on because she blames herself for
what happened that night.
Though
the theme of date rape is very disturbing since the
victim knew the person that ultimately hurt them, Anderson's
book is hopeful and educational. When Melinda finally interacts with her
attacker, though it's very scary, it is also uplifting. In the end,
Melinda realizes that she has to speak up, not only for herself but for all the
other girls in her school.
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