Character Analysis Of Speak In William Anderson's Novel Speak

A theory, defined by the Webster dictionary, is “an idea that is suggested or presented as possibly true, but that is not known or proven to be true.” William Glasser was an American psychiatrist who developed reality therapy and choice theory. Glasser’s Choice Theory states that most choices are picked to please the five basic human needs of freedom, fun, love and belonging, power, and survival. Glasser believes that humans are driven by their genes to make choices based on what they need the most. The three needs of freedom, love and belonging, and power― and her lack of them― tell how Melinda in the novel Speak perceives herself as lonely, weak, and vulnerable. Melinda, the protagonist in Speak, is a girl who strongly believes that her silence is the ticket to freedom. She lies to herself about being okay with not speaking up, when deep down inside she knows that it is hurting her inside and out. Throughout the novel, it can be observed that her silence begins to have a major effect on her life. It is represented through a variety of scenarios; from gradual damage to her relationships, to her plummeting grades. As Anderson

‘I hate you,’ she mouths silently,” (5) it is noticeable that Melinda lacks many of the five basic needs, but the one that she lacks the most is love. All throughout the novel, Melinda is isolated and treated as if she is no one. This makes her realize how lonely and weak she truly is. Laurie Halse Anderson states, “And I don’t have anyone to sit with. I am Outcast” (4). This displays how Melinda felt like she did not belong, and like she was not loved. No one made her feel special, not even her parents, because they didn’t understand what she going through, and never bothered to ask. Melinda was completely left out and was missing support from her family and friends. She lacks love and belonging, and this makes Melinda see herself as alone and vulnerable, which makes her life