Speak Literary Analysis and Characterization

Vocabulary based flashcards covering literary devices, characterization, themes, symbols, and allusions from the lecture notes on 'Speak' by Laurie Halse Anderson.

Diction

Sarcastic word choice.

Denotation

The literal definition of a word; for example, 'Beast' as a creature or monster, or 'Bunny' as a white, timid animal.

Connotation

The implied or emotional meaning of a word; for example, Melinda viewing Andy as a 'Beast' because he assaulted her, or herself as a 'Bunny' because she feels helpless and weak.

Imagery/Detail

The use of varied media, animal, and seasonal imagery to grab attention and underscore superficial societal behaviors regarding serious matters like rape and dysfunctional families.

Animal Imagery Examples

Beast, bunny, turkey, wombat, hornets, gorilla, tiger, dog, zebra, frog, rat, grasshopper, chimpanzee.

Seasonal Imagery

The book's structure: Fall (negative outlook), Winter (super depressed), Spring (begins to heal), and Summer (speaks/assault).

Media Imagery Examples

Zit cream commercial, Kodak logic, Fatal Attraction, Terminator, Alice and Wonderland, Talk Show Imagery, and Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood.

Tone

The mood often conveyed by Melinda as hopeless, emotionally distressed, anxious, sarcastic (coping mechanism), lonely, and detached.

Characterization Style

Melinda describes characters using animal imagery to convey appearances and relationships, underscoring her feelings of dehumanization.

Static Character

A character that remains the same throughout the story, such as Mr. Freeman, Mr. Neck, Hairwoman, Andy Evans, or Mrs. Sordino.

Dynamic Character

A character who undergoes significant internal change, identified in the notes as Melinda.

Flat Character

A two-dimensional character lacking complexity, such as Mr. Neck or Hair Woman.

Round Character

A complex, multi-faceted character such as Mr. Freeman, Melinda, Mr. Sordino, or David Petrarkis.

Character Foils

Characters paired to amplify traits through differences; examples include Mr. Neck and Mr. Freeman, Heather and Ivy, or Mrs. Sordino and Heather’s mom.

Andy Evans

A popular, mean jock described as a rapist, evil, and creepy, who causes Melinda to shut down and become an outcast.

David Petrakis

A nerdy, unathletic scholar who encourages Melinda’s growth.

The Marthas

A group of classmates consisting of Meg, Emily, and Siobian.

Principal Principal

The school principal, described as ineffective and inept.

Theme: Expression

Exploration of communication through silent, verbal, emotional, physical, or artistic means.

Theme: Loss of Innocence

Refers to experiences with rape, friendships, exposure to high school rebellion, and family issues.

Theme: Immaturity

Involves hypocrisy, deception, false appearances/identity, and confusion.

Theme: Alienation

Includes ostracism, family distance, and the keeping of secrets.

Theme: Depression

Manifests as cutting, biting lips, self-harm, anger, and various coping mechanisms.

Theme: Overcoming obstacles/Growth/Healing

Involves fighting back, speaking up, and 'pruning' or letting go.

Symbol

An object that represents or demonstrates a deeper meaning, such as Trees, Mirrors, Lips/Mouths, Closets, the Maya Angelou poster, or Names.

Turkey Bone Sculpture

An artwork created by Melinda in November that demonstrates her attempt to express the deadness within her caused by trauma.

Motif

A repeated or recurring element, such as Trees representing growth or Mirrors representing self-reflection.

Allusion

A reference to historical, biblical, mythological, or literary/movie knowledge that assumes reader understanding.

Historical Allusion Examples

Titanic, Mayflower, Picasso, and Suffragettes ($154-159$).

Biblical/Mythological Allusion Examples

Trinity of Visa, MC, and AmEx; David and Goliath ($154$); Andy Evans as a Greek God ($134$); and Noah ($165$).

Literary/Movie Allusion Examples

The Scarlet Letter, Alice in Wonderland, Little Red Riding Hood, Mr. Rogers, Fatal Attraction, Arnold Schwatrzenegger, and Maya Angelou.

First Person Point of View (POV)

The narrative voice of Melinda Sordino, which limits the reader to the facts she chooses to share, creating a sense of disjointedness.

Plot Structure Components

Exposition, Rising Action, Climax/Turning Point, Falling Action, and Resolution.