Speak

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Anderson, Laurie Halse. 1999. Speak. New York: Penguin. ISBN 9780142414736

PLOT SUMMARY

Ninth grader Melinda tells of her struggle to adjust to high school after losing her friends and being the victim of rape, about which she refuses to speak out.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Through an unconventional set-up of chapters (no page breaks, only chapter headings), Melinda’s first-person account of ninth grade stress flows freely from one aspect of high school to another: from social cliques to lunatic teachers to harboring the tragic event of the summer before. Had the story come from a perspective other than Melinda’s, the truth of such events would lack the depth and intensity that Melinda is able to provide with both seriousness and sarcasm.

Melinda, mysterious, scarred, bitter, and angry, uses silence and ostracizing to speak for herself.  Totally opposite, new-girl Heather can’t narrow down the clubs and societies she wants to join. Anderson does not overload readers with cultural details about the characters-just general descriptions of social groups. She includes all the character types found in high school: the jocks, the preps (both the home-making and promiscuous types), the self-loathing, and even the activists. And the teachers are not exempt: the predator-type (Mr. Neck), the unkempt English teacher (known as Hairwoman), and the non-conformist art teacher (Mr. Freeman).

Even though the book was written over ten years ago, the high school scene has not changed so much: the same stuffy, uninspiring classrooms (save the art room), abandoned janitor closets, hormone-filled hallways, sweaty locker rooms. The descriptions of the characters and setting allow readers to feel as though they attend Merryweather High School, Home of the Constantly Changing Mascot!

Written almost as a freshman year diary, the plot chronologically follows the school year. Tellings include unimpressive report card grades, abandonment by friends, an impossible art project, and blips of drama caused by “IT” (Andy Evans, the rapist). Anderson purposefully includes small details that establish importance later in the plot. For example, the mention of former-friend and jock Nicole seems somewhat out of place until she and her lacrosse team come to Melinda’s rescue later.

Anderson leads readers to an unexpected climax through events that indirectly affect Melinda: former-best friend Rachel dating then going to prom with Andy and Melinda’s snubbed attempt to warn Rachel. These seemingly small events lead Melinda to her secret closet, trapped with aggressive, angry Andy. Andy tries to assault Melinda again; however, this time, Melinda finds her voice as Andy finds the lacrosse team attacking him.

While the ending maybe cannot be considered “happy”, it is satisfying and hopeful. Melinda found and used her voice, successfully completed the impossible art project, and became a familiar face in the hallways.

Through their year, Melinda and Heather show emotional growth: Heather, in trying to find acceptance, rejects Melinda as a friend then later returns to her. Melinda accepts the now-anticipated rejection as she deals with her secret tragedy alone. In the end, Melinda grows out of her silent period and begins to speak about her rape. She restores relationships with her peers. Readers, adolescent or adult, can perceive and relate to Melinda’s transformation from loner-outcast to socially acceptable survivor.

AWARDS AND REVIEWS

National Book Award Finalist

Michael L. Printz Honor Book, 2000

Booklist Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 1999

School Library Journal Best Books, 1999

Reviews Listed in 10^th Anniversary Edition

“An uncannily funny book even as it plumbs the darkness, Speak will hold readers from first word to last.”

--The Horn Book, starred review

“Anderson infuses the narrative with a wit that sustains the heroine through her pain and holds readers’ empathy.”

--Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Melinda’s sarcastic wit, honesty, and courage make her a memorable character whose ultimate triumph will inspire and empower readers.”

--Booklist, starred review

CONNECTIONS

Art Connection

Melinda works feverishly throughout the book to make a linoleum carving of a tree. Research this form of artistic expression and examples. Attempt a carving of your own!

Public Service Announcement

Create a public service announcement for victims of sexual assault or abuse. Refer to this book and the resources and statistics given at the end of the 10^th anniversary edition.

Poetic Expression

In the 10^th Anniversary Edition, Anderson includes a poem called “Listen” which consists of only two original stanzas. All other lines are from correspondence with readers. Pretending you are Melinda, write a poem expressing her feelings about one of the following events:

1) The morning after being raped

2) After the first day of high school

3) Once Heather tells her they can’t be friends

4) At the end of the book when she finally speaks out.