Symbolism In Speak By Laurie Halse Anderson

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In Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, there are several important themes such as adolescence, growth, and depression. Anderson’s 1999 novel revolves around Melinda Sardino, a Syracuse teen attending Merryweather High School. Her friends have abandoned her and she struggles with depression, resulting in her lack of speech. Melinda hides away most of her school year in a janitor’s closet, but comes out in her art class where she works on various projects involving a tree. She has a deep secret, one that she can’t tell anyone. The author uses symbolism to convey anger and sadness throughout the book. The various forms of the tree hidden throughout the book provide insight into Melinda’s mental and social life.

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