What is the symbolism in Speak?

Melinda frequently hides in the supply closet at her school. This symbolizes her need to hide from the world so she doesn’t have to speak to anyone. It also represents her isolation, not just how she isolates herself but also that she feels her friends have isolated her.

What does the rabbit symbolize in Speak?

The Rabbit represents Melinda as the prey and Andy Evans as the wolf / predator. Every time she sees Andy Evans, she keeps on running away from him and her feelings of shame, fear, anger, and anguish bursts her mind. The rabbit symbolizes a victim by the wolf, which is so weak and vulnerable.

What does the mirror in Speak symbolize?

Mirrors are often used in literature to symbolize the truth about something because a reflection can not be changed. In the novel Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, mirrors show up throughout the novel to represent the truth about Melinda’s secret, and frustration towards herself.

What does the seed symbolize in Speak?

Seeds symbolize growth. In Melinda’s case she grows both physically and mentally throughout the novel. Seeds are fragile and need to be taken care of. Once attacked they will not grow as easily again.

What does the tree symbolism in Speak?

In Speak, the tree can be said to symbolize Melinda’s growth throughout the book. Melinda starts painting trees as part of a school art project. At first, the trees are desolate, isolated, surrounded by darkness. This is an accurate depiction of how Melinda sees herself.

What does the frog symbolize in Speak?

Melinda is still traumatized, as evidenced by the symbol of the dead frog and her interaction with IT. First, the dead frog Melinda has to dissect symbolizes her sense of self and the trauma she suffered.

What symbols represent Melinda in Speak?

Speak Symbols

  • Trees, Seeds, Plants, and Forests. Near the beginning of the novel, Melinda is assigned a tree as her yearlong assignment in art class.
  • Birds.
  • Melinda’s Closet.
  • Melinda’s Bedroom.
  • Mirrors.
  • Lips.
  • Blood.
  • Water, Ice, and Melting.

What does the tree symbolize in Speak?

As the narrative progresses, Melinda’s attempts to draw a tree come to symbolize her ability to move past her rape, and to mature as a person. Trees, and plants in general, are powerful symbols because of the life, strength, and fertility that they represent.

What do lips symbolize in Speak?

lips are a symbol in Speak because the author shows how teenagers hide the pain or the feelings to the world. For example: Melinda bites her lips because it is the way she tries to tell people that something is going wrong but she does not have the trust in her friends to tell them she was raped.

What does a tree symbolize in speak?

What does Melinda write on the bathroom wall?

Melinda asks for one of Ivy’s markers. She writes “Guys to Stay Away From” (81.22) on the wall. She puts Andy Evan down as number one, then shows Ivy her masterpiece.