Speak
Speak, written by Laurie Halse Anderson in 1999, was a ground breaking book for it's time. Rape was a very taboo thing to talk about, let alone write about. This is a topic that needs to be talked about because unfortunately it happens. Now, I did not enjoy this book but I can appreciate some aspects of it. It is a very daring subject to write about, but I felt as if the book had monotone-action up until the final chapters. I did, however, enjoy the imagery portrayed in this book.
Imagery is used all throughout this book. The first images we see are the names of the teachers. We get a glimpse of this imagery on the fifth page of the book with Mr. Neck. It was Melinda's, the books protagonist, first day of school when, "A predator approaches: gray jock buzz cut, whistle around a neck thinker than his head. Probably a social studies teacher, hired to coach a blood sport" (Anderson 5). Another teacher is Hairwoman. Melinda talks about her English teacher with, "...no face. She has uncombed stringy hair that droops on her shoulders. The hair is black from her part to her ears and then a neon orange to the frizzy ends" (Anderson 6). Instead of just telling us their names, Anderson decided to use descriptive words that show us the characters. This is how real life is. We notice things like this. She later describes a few of her other teachers. We see that all of these teachers have a negative condensation,whether it be by their names, or the way that she describes them. But, there is one teacher she has named Mr. Freeman. We do not know if this was his actual name or a name she gave him. When she is describing him, he is the only teacher who, "...smiles at us as we file into class" (Anderson 10). This shows that Mr. Freeman is the only positive teacher in the school. Later on, we figure out that Mr. Freeman is the only teacher who actually cares about Melinda. He gets her to open up to herself. He allows her to get through all of her emotions via art. This is why I believe Anderson gave the crazy old art teacher the name of Mr. Freeman.
One of the strong points in this book was the imagery portrayed through out it. The imagery really gave this book life for me. There were many creative ways that she would describe people and things and places that she went to that really put a picture in your mind.
Imagery is used all throughout this book. The first images we see are the names of the teachers. We get a glimpse of this imagery on the fifth page of the book with Mr. Neck. It was Melinda's, the books protagonist, first day of school when, "A predator approaches: gray jock buzz cut, whistle around a neck thinker than his head. Probably a social studies teacher, hired to coach a blood sport" (Anderson 5). Another teacher is Hairwoman. Melinda talks about her English teacher with, "...no face. She has uncombed stringy hair that droops on her shoulders. The hair is black from her part to her ears and then a neon orange to the frizzy ends" (Anderson 6). Instead of just telling us their names, Anderson decided to use descriptive words that show us the characters. This is how real life is. We notice things like this. She later describes a few of her other teachers. We see that all of these teachers have a negative condensation,whether it be by their names, or the way that she describes them. But, there is one teacher she has named Mr. Freeman. We do not know if this was his actual name or a name she gave him. When she is describing him, he is the only teacher who, "...smiles at us as we file into class" (Anderson 10). This shows that Mr. Freeman is the only positive teacher in the school. Later on, we figure out that Mr. Freeman is the only teacher who actually cares about Melinda. He gets her to open up to herself. He allows her to get through all of her emotions via art. This is why I believe Anderson gave the crazy old art teacher the name of Mr. Freeman.
One of the strong points in this book was the imagery portrayed through out it. The imagery really gave this book life for me. There were many creative ways that she would describe people and things and places that she went to that really put a picture in your mind.
I think the significance in the names is so important! You chose so many great points and descriptions about the teachers and their names. Mr. Neck and Hairwoman are so important to include because it highlights the negativity that Melinda has and the insignificance of their purpose. They're simply teachers, nothing more or less. They do not reach out to their students or care past their class time. However, Mr. Freeman is so much more than a teacher to Melinda. You're right by saying that his name correlates with her opening up and getting through her emotions. Imagery is very strong in this book! Your points are strong and creative, awesome blog!
ReplyDeleteI love that she does this. It helps paint a picture in our minds, and helps us remember the same teachers we had to deal with. Imagery is so important. Yes Mr. Freeman saves her. He is such a positive influence and the only person that seems to care. Great post !
ReplyDeleteSharissa, I love that Mr. Freeman is literally a free man, whereas everyone else maybe isn't. I love the part where Mr. Freeman is about to go on a rant, and Melinda mentions that some people think he's nuts, but he's the sanest person she knows. It's so important that every kid in middle and high school have a "Mr. Freeman". Also, I think the monotony of Melinda's narration is a reflection of her despondency. It really conveys to the reader how far down Melinda is. Great points!
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