The Importance of a Personal´s Life in Speak

Physiologists usually agree that the teenage years are among the most difficult periods in one’s life. Most teens are trying to figure out who they are, what they believe, and how they fit into the world around them. Beginning in the late 1970s, a whole genre of fiction, referred to as coming-of-age literature, emerged and serves, at least for many teens, as believable presentations of young people learning to navigate the difficulties of their lives, often fraught with feelings of rejection, seemingly unresolved personal turmoil, social problems, school and family issues, etc. Indeed one value of reading is to see and better understand some aspect of ourselves through studying others. The reading of SPEAK, a somewhat controversial book because of its subject matter – rape -, is a worthwhile endeavor in any middle school classroom and offers many valuable life lessons to young teens.

Throughout someone’s experience of reading this inspiring novel, he or she can come to realize how important art can be in a person’s life. Mr. Freeman, Melinda’s art teacher, helps Melinda understand that life is like art. When a mistake is made in life, there is a chance to start anew, just like erasing a drawing and starting over. Mr. Freeman introduced his class by saying, “Welcome to the only class that will teach you how to survive.” (10) In art class, some of Melinda’s projects represent her life because they can change from being scary, “dead”, and mysterious, to being beautiful, just like Melinda. Ivy, a fellow student in art class, said to Melinda, “That turkey bone thing you did was creepy, too. Creepy in a good way, good creepy.” (145) Mr. Freeman also plays a big part in helping Melinda, whose name means “I am pretty”, realize her ful...

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.... I didn't know what to do. She watches as I carve out the words. She leans closer to me. I write more. I was stupid and drunk and I didn't know what was happening and then he hurt—I scribble that out—raped me. When the police came, everyone was screaming, and I was just too scared, so I cut through some back yards and walked home.” (183)

Although the teenage years are the hardest, it is important to maintain hope during that time no matter what the circumstances may be. The novel SPEAK teaches adolescents everywhere the important power of their voices. Yes, there are times when it can be important to be silent, but sometimes silence can be deadly. Melinda is a perfect example of a girl who almost lost it all because she did not speak. This coming-of-age novel has many lessons that can be learned if the reader just opens his or her ears to listen to other speak.