Analysis Of The Victim In Speak By Margaret Anderson

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Anderson’s novel has found itself located on more than one banned book list for schools, which becomes ironic in the analysis of one of her major themes. One of Anderson’s themes of the novel centers around the idea of communication and speaking up and out about sexual assault. Melinda is terrified to speak out about her attack by Andy Evans because she believes, “It is easier not to say anything. Shut your trap, button your lip, can it... Nobody really wants to hear what you have to say” (9). There is this underlying belief that no one cares; no one wants to hear the why, the how, or the when of an assault on a rape victim. Due to the victim’s belief that no one cares, the victim falls into a deadly spiral. Victim’s beliefs grow out of the