Melinda's Narcissism In Speak By Laurie Halse Anderson

The majority misinterpret Narcissism and vanity as false confidence in a subject. However, many individuals struggle with a disorder directly related to this inability to admit that one is wrong. Narcissistic Personality Disorder, as defined by the Mayo clinic in their article “Narcissistic Personality Disorder”, is ”a mental health condition in which people have an unreasonably high sense of their own importance”(Narcissistic Personality Disorder). This definition serves as a great representation of narcissism because of the use of the word unreasonably. It is important to remember that vanity is different from confidence in the sense that those affected will overexaggerate their achievements in an attempt to justify their aplomb. This dramatization of confidence has dire consequences for relationships, often leading to the discovery

Throughout the novel, Heather’s narcissistic proclivities are seen in her relationship with herself and others. While her vanity may not be made clear when Heather is first introduced, the signs start appearing when she begins her attempt to change Melinda, saying that Melinda “[has] to get involved, become a part of the school”(Anderson 23) without regard to what choices Melinda wanted to make. Heather’s commentary on Melinda’s social situation presents an important, supercilious tone to their relationship; with this tone, Heather establishes that, according to her beliefs, her thoughts hold more value than Melinda’s. This outlook is also found in those who experience Narcissism. As seen in the text, Heather values relationships that will provide her with the best social standing; Melinda, conversely, does not meet this standard, so Heather attempts to change her in order to create a more desirable image of their friendship. This behavior corresponds with the way narcissists make themselves more desirable by associating themselves with desirable