1. Speak REVIEW

2. Melinda  Protagonist  Melinda is raped at a party – she wants to call police to report the rape – but is unable to speak – police come and break up party – she is outcast  The first day of school Melinda earns two demerits – She describes lunch as a “nightmare”  School is difficult even though she has academic and athletic ability

3. Characters Mom – not involved with family – concerned with career spends time at downtown store – ex. ruins turkey every holiday – blames Melinda problems in school on Melinda Dad – also detached from Melinda – ridiculous – tries to carve turkey with hatchet – the parents have a troubled relationship - blames Mel’s issues in school on the school Rachel – ex best friend – searching for her own identity – changes name to sound more foreign – tells Melinda she hates her – think Mel is jealous

4. Characters Cont.’  Nicole – another friend – seems to turn mishaps into fortune bc her chipped tooth makes her cuter – ignores Melinda but never snarls at her or is rude  Ivy – another old friend – in art class with Melinda – is afraid of clowns – isn’t rude to Melinda on purpose but does stain Mel’s shirt by mistake  Heather – new in school – becomes Melinda’s friend bc she doesn’t know anyone – joins clubs to try and impress others  Siobhan – another girl – superficial – she hates canned beets – shallow  Greta-Ingrid – a teen girl with poise – role model  David – student that stands up for his rights – hires lawyers when trouble starts at school

5. Characters Cont.’  Andy – nemesis – violent – often abuses alcohol – passes out into punch bowl – refuses to take responsibility for actions – sees Mel as vengeful  Brendan Keller – minor character – amusing bc of his ability to magically communicate his desire to eat cheeseburgers  Principal – Students often outsmart him – usually about hall passes  Mr. Neck – strict and prejudice teacher – often gives out demerits without reason  Hairwoman – quirky English teacher – assigns journal but promises not to read work

6. Character cont.’  Mr. Freeman – art teacher – frustrated with system – slashes his own painting – helps Melinda – is described as a grasshopper – Melinda thinks his room is cool  Ms. Keen – minor character – know for her color choices – wears hazard orange  Guidance Counselor – is not very perceptive – thinks Melinda is friends with Marthas does not realize Melinda is distressed  Mr. Stetman- Math teacher – tries to communicate his love of Algebra to class  Mrs. Spanish Teacher - Uses charades – not intentionally – to try and teach kids Spanish – looks ridiculous

7. Symbols  Tree = Melinda change or metamorphosis  Couch = stained cushions hidden = two sides of Melinda  Mouth – biting – dry = Melinda inability to discuss her issues and confront problems

8. Themes  Teen Depression  Date Rape  Hypocrisy of Adults and Institutions