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Speak Study Guide

by Laurie Halse Anderson

Speak study guide contains a biography of Laurie Halse Anderson, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

Speak tells the story of Melinda Sordino, a ninth grader at Merryweather High School in Syracuse, New York. August before her freshman year, Melinda and her closest friends attend a party with seniors and beer. At the party, Melinda feels uncomfortable and out of place. She gulps down a couple beers before walking outside for some fresh air. While outside, Melinda meets Andy Evans, an attractive senior boy. Andy begins dancing with and kissing Melinda, and Melinda is taken aback but too drunk to say anything. Andy pushes her to the ground and rapes her. In her confusion afterward, Melinda dials 911 and the police arrive at the party, but Melinda finds herself unable to tell anyone what happened. When the entire school discovers that Melinda…

Read the full Speak Summary

• Speak Summary
• About Speak
• Character List
• Glossary of Terms
• Major Themes
• Quotes and Analysis
• Summary and Analysis of Part 1: Welcome to Merryweather High - Heathering
• Summary and Analysis of Part 1: Burrow - Nightmare
• Summary and Analysis of Part 2: Go ____ (Fill in the Blank)! - Winter Break
• Summary and Analysis of Part 2: Hard Labor - Dark Art
• Summary and Analysis of Part 3: Death of the Wombat - Our Lady of the Waiting Room
• Summary and Analysis of Part 3: Clash of the Titans - A Night to Remember
• Summary and Analysis of Part 4: Exterminators - The Beast Prowls
• Summary and Analysis of Part 4: Home Sick - Final Cut
• Speak, the book vs. Speak, the movie
• Related Links on Speak
• Suggested Essay Questions
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 1
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 2
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 3
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 4
• Author of ClassicNote and Sources

• Speak: Major Themes
• Speak: Questions
• Speak: Purchase the Novel and Related Material
• Laurie Halse Anderson: Biography