Symbolism In Melinda Sordino's Speak

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In the novel, Speak, Melinda Sordino begins ninth grade at Merryweather High School. Melinda is given the assignment to create a tree in Mr. Freeman's art class. This is the only class she truly enjoys and cares about. At first, she expects this art assignment to be quite easy, but quickly realizes that it will not be simple. Melinda begins the art project on a rough note. She struggles to create a tree and claims it looks like a dead tree every time she tries. Sketch after sketch her trees are still excluded and engulfed in darkness, which symbolizes how Melinda is feeling. She is feeling lonely and is in a dark place. She is struggling personally and copes by sketching trees. The three trees that are colorless represent Melinda feeling isolated

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