Imagery And Symbolism In Speak By Laurie Halse Anderson

Did you know that only 310 out of every 1,000 sexual assaults are reported? Melinda was one of the 690 people that didn’t report her sexual assault. Speak was about this girl named Melinda and she had something happen to her right before school started and she didn’t tell anyone. Then as the school year progressed she wasn’t making any friends and even the only friend she had unfriended her. THen at the end she finally told someone. In the book Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, the theme is don't be afraid to speak up about a bad experience and it is shown through the symbols of Heather, chapped lips, and Mr.Freeman.
One symbol that Anderson used to show the theme of don’t be afraid to speak up about bad experiences is Heather. When Heather needs help making a poster she isn’t afraid to ask Melinda for help. This is an example of the theme. Heather said, “I knew you wouldn’t mind helping” (80) This quote shows the theme of don’t be afraid to speak up by showing that her friend is not afraid to

Freeman. When she enters the art room also known as the “Sanctuary.” She sees Mr. Freeman and describes him like “... is ugly. Big old grasshopper body, like a stiltwalking circus guy. Nose like a credit card sunk between his eyes.,” but she says as the file in the class “...he smiles…” (10) This quote represents the thesis statement because it shows sometimes that what people see on the outside isn’t what is really going on inside. At the end of the year when she is trying to finish her art project before the bell Mr. Freeman says” Time’s up…” and she starts to cry, but then Mr. Freeman says” no crying in my studio….” (298) It represents the thesis statement because it is showing that he thinks something is wrong with her, but he didn’t push her to say what was wrong and she finally had the guts to tell a teacher. The symbol that Anderson used for the theme of don’t be afraid to speak up about bad experiences is Mr.