Speak REVIEW
Melinda Protagonist Melinda is raped at a party – she wants to call police to report the rape – but is unable to speak – police come and break up party – she is outcast The first day of school Melinda earns two demerits – She describes lunch as a “nightmare” School is difficult even though she has academic and athletic ability
Characters Mom – not involved with family – concerned with career spends time at downtown store – ex. ruins turkey every holiday – blames Melinda problems in school on Melinda Dad – also detached from Melinda – ridiculous – tries to carve turkey with hatchet – the parents have a troubled relationship - blames Mel’s issues in school on the school Rachel – ex best friend – searching for her own identity – changes name to sound more foreign – tells Melinda she hates her – think Mel is jealous
Characters Cont.’ Nicole – another friend – seems to turn mishaps into fortune bc her chipped tooth makes her cuter – ignores Melinda but never snarls at her or is rude Ivy – another old friend – in art class with Melinda – is afraid of clowns – isn’t rude to Melinda on purpose but does stain Mel’s shirt by mistake Heather – new in school – becomes Melinda’s friend bc she doesn’t know anyone – joins clubs to try and impress others Siobhan – another girl – superficial – she hates canned beets – shallow Greta-Ingrid – a teen girl with poise – role model David – student that stands up for his rights – hires lawyers when trouble starts at school
Characters Cont.’ Andy – nemesis – violent – often abuses alcohol – passes out into punch bowl – refuses to take responsibility for actions – sees Mel as vengeful Brendan Keller – minor character – amusing bc of his ability to magically communicate his desire to eat cheeseburgers Principal – Students often outsmart him – usually about hall passes Mr. Neck – strict and prejudice teacher – often gives out demerits without reason Hairwoman – quirky English teacher – assigns journal but promises not to read work
Character cont.’ Mr. Freeman – art teacher – frustrated with system – slashes his own painting – helps Melinda – is described as a grasshopper – Melinda thinks his room is cool Ms. Keen – minor character – know for her color choices – wears hazard orange Guidance Counselor – is not very perceptive – thinks Melinda is friends with Marthas does not realize Melinda is distressed Mr. Stetman- Math teacher – tries to communicate his love of Algebra to class Mrs. Spanish Teacher - Uses charades – not intentionally – to try and teach kids Spanish – looks ridiculous
Symbols Tree = Melinda change or metamorphosis Couch = stained cushions hidden = two sides of Melinda Mouth – biting – dry = Melinda inability to discuss her issues and confront problems
Themes Teen Depression Date Rape Hypocrisy of Adults and Institutions