Disorganization In Speak

The novel Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson is a coming of age novel with a strong focus on adolescence and the problems commonly associate with it. Almost every reader can connect with the protagonist in the novel at some point, despite the unusual trauma she experiences at her age. She journeys through high school cliques, a loss of academic focus, the struggle with authority figures, sexuality, and humiliating teenage ritual. The story of Melinda Sordino is broadly applicable and her extraordinary circumstance highlight not just the social problems she experiences, but the internal conflict between her pre-pubescent self and her future adult self. Using themes from the novel I will explore the life of the protagonist, and how it relates to

The lack of normality and inability to integrate back into a daily routine can cause depression. The theme that defines Melinda’s behavior for a majority of the novel is depression, She exemplifies symptoms of major depressive disorder. In major depressive disorder an individual; experiences a major depressive episode and depressed characteristics such as lethargy and hopelessness ( Santrock 459) Melinda lacks the desire to actively engage in in life. Causes of major depressive such as internalizing problems exemplify through the novel when Melinda refuses to speak about her sexual assault. She also exhibits her depression externally when she cuts her wrist with a paper clip, as well her excessive need to sleep. ( Santrock 459) . The more depressed she is ,the more she sleeps, her main desire at school is to go home to take a nap. (Anderson 14). The emotional pain Melinda feels outwardly affects her overall

During this time, many teens face internal conflict when trying to find one’s self. Other often face external circumstance that makes immerging adult hood difficult for them. In the book Speak a coming of age novel, the protagonist Melinda Sordino struggles to regain her voice after becoming of sexual assault. She internalized her problems in hopes to find a resolution. Melinda questions if she really dates raped and her consensus was yes. This sent her into a depression that effected all aspects of her life. Without the support of her teacher Mr. Freeman she would not have been able to find resilience and overcome adversity. Speak is a book that readers of all ages can relate. At some point one has been an adolescent, or will become