Justin Riches

Mrs. Balka

Pre-AP English 9

9/26/17

“Speak” Essay

In many stories, characterization is very important when solving problems and building

relationships between characters. Often, after a series of events, the characterization of the

protagonist can change. This is the case in the book Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, when the

protagonist Melinda has gone through an experience and she has “lost her voice” because of it.

When going into her first year of highschool, Melinda has lost all of her former friends and does

not want to speak to other people or try to reach out for help. After a course of a year of trials and

pains, Melinda finally realizes the importance of her voice and speaking to others about her

problems and how to resolve them. Melinda’s dynamic characterization from apprehensive to

confident reveals opening up to others about a traumatic experience can be difficult, but can help

to emotionally heal people.

In the beginning of the story, Anderson characterizes Malinda as apprehensive. For

example, this is shown when Melinda wants to speak to her ex-friend Rachel/Rachelle about her

tragic experience the past summer. When she describes the words as “climb(ing) up her throat,”

she then bites her lips to stop the words from coming out. These visual and metaphorical

examples show her self doubt causing her not to defend herself. This being said, Melinda also

shows her self doubt and fear when Mr. Neck catches her sneaking out of the lunchroom to get

away from the crowd. When Mr. Neck asks Melinda “What do you think you are doing,”(8)?

Melinda doesn’t reply because of her fear of what Mr. Neck will say in return. Andersen later
describes Melinda’s thoughts after by stating “It is easier to not say anything. Shut your trap,

button your lip, can it,”(9). This shows Melinda’s uneasiness when wanting to speak to others.

Hence, Melinda does not speak to defend herself assuming what they will say in return will not

be in her favor.

Although Melinda is initially characterized as apprehensive, she eventually evolves into

confident. After a series of many trials and learnings, Melinda eventually realizes the importance

of talking about her problems. For example, when Melinda finally tells her friends about her

tragic experience, she finally has the the confidence to stand up to Andy Evans. With some help,

she was able to defeat him and make sure he doesn’t harm her ever again. Her courteousness to

open up to her friends on what happened to her being able to stand up to her enemy. Also, later in

the story, Melinda also shows her boldness by accepting what had happened to her and by being

courageous to own it. Anderson states, “ IT happened. There is no avoiding it, no forgetting. No

running away, or flying, or burying, or hiding. Andy Evans raped me in August when I was

drunk and too young to know what was happening. It wasn't my fault. He hurt me. It wasn't my

fault. And I am not going to let it kill me. I can grow,”(198). This quote from Melinda talks of

her willingness to move on from this trial. She accepts to herself what happened and is now

willing to tell about her experience. Because of this, Melinda can mentally and physically heal

from it.

Laurie Halse Anderson clearly shows the evolution of the characterization of Malinda

from apprehensive to confident to reveal opening up to others about a traumatic experience can

be difficult, but can help to emotionally heal people. Through the beginning stages of the story, at

first Malinda is very hesitant and uneasy toward others and opening up to them because of her

traumatic experience. After many harsh comments and experiences Melinda learns to open her
mouth and reach out to others for help. Toward the end of the story, she eventually heals from

her trial and owns the fact that it happened to her. Melinda is so much more than she was when

limiting herself to at the beginning of the story. After talking about what happened to her, she has

healed and is now living without it dragging her down.