Speak Analysis Quiz

Questions and Answers

Describe three things that go wrong for Melinda on her first day of high school.

A guy behind her shoots the wrapper at the back of her head and it bounces into her lap; no one would sit with her on the bus; she gets hit with food during lunch; she gets a demerit for wandering the halls without a pass.

Explain what Melinda means by 'Art follows lunch like dream follows nightmare.'

It means that she's comparing art to a dream and lunch to a nightmare.

What is her art project for the year?

Melinda's art project for the year is to draw a tree and make it something that speaks to everyone.

How realistic is Melinda's first day at high school?

Melinda's first day is realistic because everyone's reality is different. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Melinda's home situation.

Melinda's home life is terrible because her parents communicate by post-it notes and she feels isolated. Signup and view all the answers

What problems or frustrations is Melinda experiencing with her classes and friends?

Rachelle ignores her; her ex-friends don't talk to her; Melinda hates all classes except art. Signup and view all the answers

Describe her 'burrow'. Why does she go there?

Her burrow is a janitor's closet where she escapes to feel like it has no purpose, similar to her life. Signup and view all the answers

Why does she become friends with Heather? How is Melinda different from Heather?

Melinda becomes friends with Heather out of desperation; Melinda is quiet and depressed while Heather is outgoing. Signup and view all the answers

How is Melinda going to use the late passes as her 'get-out-of-jail-free cards'?

Melinda will use them to skip classes or show up late to spend time in her burrow. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Melinda's experiences at the pep rally.

Her experience is negative; students call her names and blame her for problems. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize her thoughts on cheerleaders.

She can't believe they can be seen as innocent while engaging in unruly behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the section called 'Acting'?

Melinda pretends to care about what Heather is saying while not really paying attention. Signup and view all the answers

How does Melinda become increasingly isolated in the section called First Marking Period?

With Heather befriending the Marthas, Melinda loses her only friend and spends more time alone. Signup and view all the answers

Describe 'The Marthas'. What is Heather's response to them?

The Marthas are popular girls; Heather is impressed and excited to be seen with them. Signup and view all the answers

What does Melinda think about being alone on the bus?

It signifies that Melinda doesn't have any friends and feels like an outcast. Signup and view all the answers

What does Melinda feel about her art project?

She thinks it wouldn't be hard but later struggles with it. Signup and view all the answers

What is Melinda's reaction when books are ripped from her arms?

She tries not to dwell on it, hoping it will go away eventually. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Melinda take down the mirror?

She believes that looking at the mirror will remind her of her trauma. Signup and view all the answers

How does Melinda describe Heather?

Melinda compares Heather to a dog that keeps jumping into her lap. Signup and view all the answers

What does Melinda think about the closet she finds?

She sees it as abandoned like herself; it symbolizes her isolation. Signup and view all the answers

What does the block of ice symbolize?

It shows that everyone's attention turned towards Melinda. Signup and view all the answers

Why is David not bullied?

David is smart and does not get picked on. Signup and view all the answers

What does Melinda mean when she says she didn't try hard enough to 'swallow herself'?

She felt so nervous that she wished to disappear. Signup and view all the answers

What is Melinda's reaction when her parents say she's too old for trick-or-treating?

She is thrilled because it prevents her from admitting her social isolation. Signup and view all the answers

What does Melinda mean by washing her face until there's nothing left?

She wants to feel like she doesn't exist. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'IT' symbolize for Melinda?

IT represents her trauma and the source of her fear. Signup and view all the answers

How does Melinda feel about her Spanish homework verbs?

They are appropriate for her feelings; she cannot conjugate 'olvidar' because she cannot forget. Signup and view all the answers

How do Melinda and Heather respond to Job Day?

Heather is excited and planning her future, while Melinda feels lost. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize the discussion between Mr. Neck and David Petrakis about immigration.

Mr. Neck believes immigrants take jobs; David stands against this. Signup and view all the answers

What does Melinda learn from David's silent communication?

Actions speak louder than words; she starts to take interest in someone outside her issues. Signup and view all the answers

How is the Thanksgiving dinner ironic?

They are giving thanks for surviving another year as a family. Signup and view all the answers

What does Melinda's turkey bone sculpture represent?

It speaks volumes about her family life without words. Signup and view all the answers

Contrast Mr. Neck's and Mr. Freeman's teaching styles?

Mr. Neck is strict and loses respect; Mr. Freeman is laid back and relatable. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Freeman's painting signify?

It shows how the school board is out of touch with classroom realities. Signup and view all the answers

How do Melinda and David react to the apple lesson?

David is serious while Melinda is more detached. Signup and view all the answers

How does David fight back about freedom of speech?

David gets a lawyer and documents lessons with video. Signup and view all the answers

What does Melinda mean when she compares herself to her parents?

She believes she is filled with secrets and lies, just like them. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Melinda touched by her Christmas gift?

It is the first time her parents have noticed her in a meaningful way. Signup and view all the answers

How is Melinda's Christmas break significant?

She works with her parents and realizes she is glad to return to school. Signup and view all the answers

How is Melinda the 'visitor from the Planet Foul Shot'?

She is very good at basketball, particularly foul shots. Signup and view all the answers

What does Melinda imply about her life aspirations?

Maybe she won't survive long enough to reach adulthood. Signup and view all the answers

How does Melinda help Heather?

She makes posters for Heather when she cannot complete a task. Signup and view all the answers

Contrast David's and Melinda's reaction to the 'frog' lesson.

David is excited; Melinda has flashbacks and passes out. Signup and view all the answers

How does the winter blizzard synchronize with Melinda's life and emotions?

It represents her internal struggles and impending emotional release. Signup and view all the answers

What more is learned about IT in this section?

IT is Andy Evans, a popular senior who intimidates Melinda. Signup and view all the answers

What developments occur with Mr. Freeman and his painting?

Mr. Freeman gets in trouble and struggles with his art. Signup and view all the answers

Are there any positives in Melinda's life in this section?

There aren't really any positives in Melinda's life. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

First Day of High School

Melinda's first day is marked by multiple humiliations: a candy wrapper is shot at her head, she is ignored on the bus, and has food thrown at her during lunch.
She receives a demerit for wandering the halls without a pass, emphasizing her isolation.

Art and Identity

Melinda's art project involves drawing a tree that resonates with others, symbolizing her need for self-expression in a constraining environment.
The statement "Art follows lunch like dream follows nightmare" highlights her view of art as a respite from the trauma of her experiences.

Home Life

Melinda's relationship with her parents is distant; they primarily communicate through post-it notes, indicating emotional neglect.
She often feels alone and unsupported at home.

Melinda faces difficulties with friends, particularly Rachelle and her ex-friends, leaving her with only Heather, a superficial friendship.
Her connection with Heather is strained due to their differing personalities; Melinda is introverted and reserved, while Heather seeks popularity.

Escape and Isolation

Melinda finds solace in a janitor's closet, referred to as her "burrow," where she can escape from her overwhelming reality.
As Heather bonds with "The Marthas," Melinda becomes increasingly isolated and struggles academically.

The Pep Rally and Self-Perception

At the pep rally, Melinda faces bullying and scapegoating for an incident from the summer, further marginalizing her at school.
She critically observes the duality of cheerleaders' behavior, questioning societal perceptions of innocence.

Artistic Expression and Family Dynamics

Melinda's art reflects her family dynamics, with her turkey bone sculpture serving as a commentary on her dysfunctional home life.
The Thanksgiving dinner illustrates the family's surface-level unity amid deeper issues.

Teacher Dynamics

Contrasts are evident between Mr. Freeman's supportive teaching style and Mr. Neck's authoritative approach, with the former fostering student engagement.
Mr. Freeman's frustrations with administrative constraints are mirrored in Melinda's oppressive school environment.

Personal Growth and Conflict

David Petrakis represents a voice of reason and fairness, challenging authority in class debates, contrasting with Melinda's sense of helplessness.
Melinda's reaction to her art and biology lessons reveals her inner turmoil, linking back to her traumatic experiences.

Coping Mechanisms and Reflection

Melinda uses art to process her emotions but struggles with serious issues, including self-harm and a desire to disappear.
Seasonal changes, like the winter blizzard, symbolize her emotional state, indicating a build-up of unexpressed pain.

Melinda's willingness to help Heather by making posters indicates her desire to connect, despite feeling unworthy of friendship.
The complexity of her feelings toward David suggests a burgeoning awareness of her need for deeper connections.

Final Reflections

The narrative underlines Melinda's overarching sense of isolation and lack of positive experiences, setting the stage for her potential growth and healing.

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Description

Test your understanding of key themes and character struggles in the book 'Speak' by Laurie Halse Anderson. This quiz covers Melinda's first day of high school, her artistic expression, home life, and her social challenges. Explore how these elements contribute to her journey of self-discovery.