Name ______________

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Summer Reading Activity
We are going to do a two- part activity in which you will look at the novel and its contents in two different ways.
•    First we will break the novel up into literary elements, which you must be able to distinguish throughout the book.
•     Next, you will answer a series or questions, which will require you to think about the different issues, situations, and relationships that are presented in the reading.
•    You will be expected to answer this entire activity very specifically, being able to defend your answers during our discussions.
Part A. Literary Analysis
I.    Laurie Halse Anderson has written this novel using a very distinct and unique style. How would you describe this style?
2.   A.) From whose point-of-view is the novel given? B.) Is this first person point-of-view or third person point-of-view.  How do you know?
3.   Complete the following chart addressing characters in this novel.
Character
	Static or Dynamic
Round or Flat
	Explanation
	
Melinda

	

Heather

	
Rachel/Rachelle

	
Ivy

	
David Petrakis	

Parents			
It (Andy Evans)

	
Mr. Freeman

	
4.     Whom do you consider the protagonists to be? Explain your answer.
5.   A.) Whom or what do you consider the antagonist to be? Explain your answer.          B.) Could there be more than one antagonist?

6.   Complete the following chart addressing conflict.
Conflict
	   Internal or External
	Resolution
	
Melinda vs. Friends

	
Melinda vs. Teachers

	
Melinda vs. IT

	
Melinda vs. Parents

	
Melinda vs. Herself

	

7.    Complete the following chart addressing symbols.
Symbol

	Representation
	
IT (Andy Evans)

Mr. Freeman

Hairwoman/Mr. Neck
		
Melinda's Final Tree Project

Mr. Freeman's Painting

Seeds

Turkey Bone Sculpture

Melinda's Closet

8.    Find and explain at least three examples of allusion in this novel.

9.    List at least three examples of foreshadowing and explain what plot events at which they are hinting.

PART B. SHORT ANSWER:  Answer the following in complete sentences.
I .You are a high school student now. A.) Before beginning your freshman year, what did you think your first day or would be? B.) Does the actual experience compare or contrast to your expectations? Explain your answers.

2. A.) What subjects, situations, or issues are addressed in this novel that you have either experienced or seen others experience? [You will have to think back to 7th and 8th grades for this one.) B.) Do you feel that the author has addressed these issues and situations appropriately or inappropriately? Explain.
3. A.) What has happened to Melinda to cause her to change so drastically from middle school to high school?     B.) Are you surprised that this would be the subject of this novel?

4. A.) How does Melinda learn to cope with what has happened to her? B.) Do you feel this is the best way to deal with this situation? Why or why not
5. In what ways does Melinda's family relationship help or hurt her ability to cope with her traumatic experience?
6. A.) What symptoms or signs does Melinda display that could lead to someone realizing she needs help? 8.) How can her parents and most of her teachers/school administrators miss these signals?
7. Do you feel that Melinda is brave or cowardly in her dealings with this experience? (If neither of these words is accurate to your interpretation of Melinda's character, explain yourself using different adjectives.)
8.   A.) Who, in the final sections of the book, show themselves to be true friends to Melinda? B.) What was your reaction to her need to warn Rachel and refusing to help Heather decorate for prom?
9. What is the relevance of the title and the main point of the novel?
10. Do you think this is an accurate portrayal of high school?