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Imagery And Symbolism In Speak By Laurie Halse Anderson

484 Words2 Pages

Symbolism is the use of images, colors or items through a story or time used to represent

something more meaningful. For example, one may look at America's flag and think it is just a flag. False, it is red for the valor and bravery of our soldiers, the white stands for purity and innocence of our nation, and the blue signifies justice, perseverance and vigilance; it is not just a flag, it is a symbol of all the things the United States of America have been through. However, in literature symbolism plays a much more heavy role in the story. Authors used symbolism with a flower, perhaps, then continue talking about growth and blossoming within the flower throughout the story only to reveal to the reader the flower is not a flower, but a growth in her struggling protagonist. Although the author of Speak, Laurie Halse Anderson, denies her use …show more content…

Pain” (65). The sculpture itself is assembled of a block of wood, with bones arranged to look like a turkey skeleton, with forks and knives thrashing into the bones, but in the middle lies a long barbie doll head and a half melted Lego palm tree. “I see a girl...with her flesh picked off day after day as the carcass dries out. The knives and forks are obviously middle class sensibilities. The palm tree is a nice touch. A broken dream, perhaps? Plastic honeymoon, deserted island? “ (64) The art teacher in the story list all kinds of ideas that could be symbols in Melinda’s sculpture. However the newfound artist changed her sculpture after hearing these words. The palm tree that once resided peacefully is now evicted. The knife and fork are moved to appear like legs. The Barbie herself receives the most dramatic change as she gets tape placed over her mouth. The new sculpture is appraised in a way different the Melinda hoped. The tape over the mouth shows someone covering any chance to cry for help, the bones now resemble a cage, forever entrapping the young girl.“This sculpture has meaning. Pain”

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