Consider A Tree In Speak By Laurie Halse Anderson

The well-known Christian author once wrote, "Consider a tree for a moment. As beautiful as trees are to look at, we don't see what goes on underground - as they grow roots. Trees must develop deep roots in order to grow strong and produce their beauty. But we don't see the roots. We just see and enjoy the beauty. In much the same way, what goes on inside of us is like the roots of a tree." When reading the novel Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson, the reader will steadily notice that, as the story goes on, Melinda's artistic abilities will improve. In this essay, I will explain how trees are used to portray Melinda's transformation, by using quotes from the text and support to back it up. In her first Art class, Melinda randomly chooses the "tree" as the object she will try to draw for the rest of her school year. She is relieved because in the second grade she learned how to draw a tree, but unfortunately, her version of a tree is not acceptable."Tree. Tree? It's too easy. I learned how to draw a tree in the second grade. I reached for another piece of paper," Melinda exclaims. This quote is the beginning of her growth as a person and also her lowest point. As with all things that transform, they need to first have a base to transform from. So in the sixth chapter Melinda says, "Could I put

As she finds her special seed,"An apple tree growing from an apple seed growing in an apple. I show the little plantseed to Ms. Keen. She gives me extra credit. David rolls his eyes. Biology is so cool,"(pg. 67). This is the starting point where Melinda starts to come out of her shell. This is really clever from the author considering that every tree starts from a seed, so for the author to use this as a breaking point for Melinda, is very intelligent. She even gets extra credit for showing her teacher that she found a special apple