Relationships In The Novel Speak

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There are people that can impact one's life. Relationships with people can change a person's life. Relationships with family and friends can help shape a person, and impact their life. In the novel Speak relationships with characters can influence and change a person. During summer before high school, Melinda a young teenager goes through a traumatizing event, but throughout the year, friends and her teacher impact her life. In the novel Speak, there are several people that influence and change the life of Melinda, such as, David, Ivy, and Mr. Freeman. In the novel Speak, David Petrakis impacts Melinda's life. Melinda's first encounter with David is in Biology class. David is Melinda's lab partner, who belongs to the Cybergenius clan. (37) …show more content…

Freeman has spoken because it gives Melinda a realization that she is dying inside. Melinda is influenced to express herself in her work, whether it is hate, or rage. Furthermore before Melinda steps out of the car Mr. Freeman mentions, "You're a good kid. I think you have a lot to say. I'd like to hear it." This influences Melinda to know that, Mr. Freeman is there, whenever she is need of someone to talk to. Throughout the year Melinda is having trouble with her tree, so Mr. Freeman advises Melinda on how to make it better, "Breathe life into it. Make it bend-trees are flexible, so they don't snap. Scar it, give it a twisted branch-perfect trees don't exist. Nothing is perfect. Flaws are interesting. Be the tree."(153) This statement from Mr. Freeman influences Melinda to be the tree. It empowers her to draw her scars on the tree. Melinda is influenced to make an imperfect tree that describes her, and that is her. Finally on the last day of school, Melinda receives an A+ on her tree. Mr. Freeman says, “You worked hard on this. --- You’ve been through a lot, haven’t you?” (198) This statement influences Melinda to know that Mr. Freeman noticed all her struggles through her art, and knows what she has been through. This action from Mr. Freeman provides Melinda the courage to speak, “Let me tell you about it.” Melinda is changed, because she now has the courage and voice, to finally

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