The Struggle In Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak

As a child goes through life, he/she acquires valuable lessons including the expression of oneself and the times in which silence is appropriate. Throughout adolescence, teenagers navigate through uncomfortable situations that teach them when to speak up and when to stay silent. In her novel Speak, Laurie Halse Anderson reflects on incidents that occurred in her life, connecting them to her story while incorporating issues that are prevalent today to advise readers to find their voice.

Anderson‵s youth and own life struggles have significantly contributed to her novel. She was born on October 23, 1961 in Potsdam, New York (“Speak” 252). Anderson had always been fascinated with stories; however, the ability to read did not come easy to her

Because of her chosen topic of discussion, Anderson’s work has been “considered controversial by some parents and conservative activist groups, nevertheless reflects realistic challenges faced by teens, including Anderson herself during her youth” (Pattee 4). Melinda shows signs of mental illness throughout the story explaining, “I hide in the bathroom until I know Heather’s bus has left. The salt in my tears feels good when it stings my lips. I wash my face in the sink until there is nothing left of it, no eyes, no nose, no mouth. A slick nothing” (Anderson, Speak 45). Through this clear avoidance of confrontation, it is obvious that the effects of the event that occurred the night of the party are still prevalent in Melinda's life. After the traumatizing experience resulted in Melida calling cops, she has lost her friends and isolated herself from others. Without the support of friends, Melinda is left to contemplate her regrets and cope with her mental illness alone. Melinda's continues to express this feeling of isolation as she relates her feelings to her English curriculum: “Hawthorne wanted snow to symbolize cold, that's what I think. Cold and silence, Nothing quieter than the snow. The sky screams to deliver it, a hundred banshees flying on the edge of a blizzard. But once the snow covers the ground, it hushes as still as my heart.” (Anderson, Speak 130). She uses the words including screams and hushes to portray the idea that she has thoughts she wishes to project; however, she silences herself. The topic of rape is also mentioned. At the end of the story, Melinda comes to terms about the incident she has endured: “IT happened. There is no avoiding it, no forgetting. No running away, or flying, or bullying, or hiding. Andy Evans raped me in August when I was too drunk and too young to know what was happening. It wasn't my fault. He hurt me. It wasn't my fault. And I'm not