Communication is important for every teenager. Teenagers should communicate for their betterment. The novel Speak, by Halse Anderson is about a young girl who struggles to communicate facing numerous problems throughout high school. Through Melinda’s silence, the fear of speaking, and the authors use of symbolism, the author suggests that when teenagers don’t communicate their issues to loved ones, they lack the support that is needed to overcome their troubles. Melinda is distress by her silence. Melinda chooses to not speak up and isolates herself from family and friends. Melinda’s parents notice changes in her behavior, but they can’t seem to find out what’s wrong with her, Melinda’s mother even says, “‘I can’t get a word out of her. she’s mute’” (114). Melinda’s silence is causing her to lose her connection with her parents, which is affecting them too. Melinda finds it difficult to conceal her emotions she thinks, “I just want to sleep. A coma would be nice. Or amnesia. Anything, just to get rid of this, these thoughts, whispers in my mind” (166). Melinda’s suppressing thoughts are overwhelming for her. When Melinda stops herself from speaking up she says, “My throat squeezes shut, as if two hands of black fingernails are …show more content…
Melinda finds reasons to not speak. Melinda claims to say “[t]he cops say that thing: ‘Anything you say will be used against you.’ Self-incrimination” (157). Melinda believes that no one will listen to her and she may face consequences of telling the truth. Another factor that contributes to Melinda’s fear is her low self-esteem. When Melinda is around Andy she characterizes herself as fearful small pet such as the time she sees him walking she says, “I stand still. That's how rabbits survive; they freeze in the presence of predators.” (97). Melinda feels inferior to others which limits herself from speaking up. Melinda’s fear of speaking up is leading her to