Chapter Summary And Symbolism In Speak By Laurie Halse Anderson

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Speak “Marking Period 1” Analysis In the novel Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, Mouths/Lips was a reoccurring motif for Melinda throughout the first marking period. It is recognized that Melinda hates her appearance, but is especially disgusted by her lips, which she cannot stop from chewing at. Melinda’s habit progresses more throughout the first marking period. Melinda’s habit is first noticed when Rachel mouths “I hate you” to her on the school bus. Melinda is obviously bothered by this and wants to speak up, but instead of doing so she bites her lips as stated in the quote, “I bite my lip… My lip bleeds a little. It tastes like metal. I need to sit down” (Anderson 5). It is significant that Melinda is fixated with her lips, as shown