SPEAK

BY LAURIE HALSE ANDERSON

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Literary Elements

THEME

the central idea of a story (also called motif)

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Literary Elements

SYMBOLISM the use of an ordinary object, person, or animal to which

we attach a meaning

ex. eagle=bravery, nobility

lion=courage

fox or wolf=slyness, deceit, trickery

donkey=stupidity

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Literary Elements

CHARACTER

a person or personality in a story, drama, poem, or

novel.

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Literary Elements

MOTIVATION

The causes or reasons for a character’s behavior in a

story

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Literary Elements

FIRST PERSON

POINT OF VIEW

when a character is telling the story—it is usually told

by the main character

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Literary Elements

TONE

the attitude a writer takes toward a subject,

character, or the reader

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Literary Elements

FLASHBACK

an episode from the past that sometimes interrupts

the plot

SPEAK Characters

Melinda Sordino

SPEAK Characters

Melinda Sordino

Melinda is the main character and narrator of the story. She is

a 9th grader at Merryweather High School. She had something

happen to her the previous summer that traumatized her.

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David Petrakis

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David Petrakis

David is a brainiac who is in Melinda’s biology and social studies classes. He is one of

the few people who treat Melinda decently.

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Andy Evans

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Andy Evans

Andy is a senior who seems to have a history of sexually

assaulting girls. Melinda refers to him as “It” in the

story.

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Rachel Bruin

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Rachel Bruin

Rachel used to be Melinda’s best friend, but not any more. She is important to the story because she is important to

Melinda.

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Mr. Freeman

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Mr. Freeman

Mr. Freeman is Melinda’s art teacher. He is different from most teachers, and Melinda develops a bond with him.

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Joyce Sordino

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Joyce Sordino

Joyce is Melinda’s mother. She is a hardworking

manager of a clothing store. She has a hard time

balancing home and career.

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Jack Sordino

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Jack Sordino

Jack is Melinda’s dad. He sells insurance.

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Mr. Neck

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Mr. Neck

Mr. Neck is Melinda’s social studies teacher. He abuses his authority as a teacher.

SPEAK Other Characters

Heather—from Ohio; she is the “new kid” in town and desperately wants to fit in

Ivy and Nicole—two of the girls in Melinda’s former

circle of friends

SPEAK Other Characters

The Marthas—one of the groups (cliques) of girls at MHS

Ms. Connors—the girls’ gym teacher

Hairwoman—Melinda’s English teacher

SPEAK Other Characters

Ms. Keen—Melinda’s biology teacher

Principal Principal—the principal of the school—he likes to harass

the students and is generally quite clueless

The Guidance Counselor—she tries to help Melinda and her parents,

but is also clueless

SPEAK Melinda is the narrator of the

story.

The book is divided into four marking periods.

Notice at the end of each marking period there is a

report card.

Notice the use of flashbacks in the story.

SPEAK Introduction

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YFuZuGItv0

What is the tone of the story so far?

SPEAK--Themes

Isolation

Violence

Education

Friendship

Sadness

Transformation

Guilt And Blame

SPEAK--Symbolism

Changing Seasons

Seeds and Trees

Melinda’s Grades

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There will be an activity on quotes, themes, and symbols in Speak to be completed when we are

finished reading the book.

SPEAK Playlist “Unwell”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6risofLzDZM

“Sullen Girl” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDPD5iKaA5U

“Damaged” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He4UYikvGBs

“Bring Me to Life” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96MiYk9VYvc

“In the End” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eT0K4pFcVI

“Somewhere I Belong” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxgHC3PRvFM

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TEST