Quickwrite:

4: The symbolism of this trees in this book “Speak” is an example of Melinda’s growth throughout her school year. In the beginning of the book, Melinda is assigned to an art project of drawing trees. We can see that she struggles greatly as she attempts to bring her drawing to life. She is un capable of having a social life in high school. The first stages of her drawing she is having no success with the tree, this is similar to the first weeks of school. She is having a hard time finding friends and slowly starts to isolate herself, those who she used to have the pleasure of calling a friend were no longer there for her. 

Analysis: 

8: As rude as Rachel is towards Melinda and how Rachel has turned her back on her, she still attempts to communicate with Rachel. Even as Melinda is going mute, she still doesnt want to see her ex-best friend hurt. Melinda was raped at the party just before school started,by Andy Evans who Rachel has started dating. Melinda doesnt want Rachel to get hurt the way she has and trys to warn Rachel.She has even left an anonymous note warning her that Andy is dangerous but Rachel ignores it and continues to date Andy. Melinda realizes that Rachel is in danger of becoming Andy’s next rape victim. Even when Rachel has betrayed their friendship, Melinda is loyal and cares for her. This proves that she still has a heart and kind towards others even if no one feels the same about her. Another reason that Melinda wanted to talk to Rachel was that she might’ve felt this information of being raped was getting to big to keep it in. She could’ve used Rachel to relieve some of her stress and the traumatizing event that has affected her in alot of ways.Melinda needed someone to believe her, someone to understand the pain that she has and what she is going through. She might have been hoping that by telling Rachel what has happened to her and why she called the cops on that night of the party can help take the constant death stares by her fellow classmates off her. When things cool down she could start making friends again and Melinda would have her family and friend around her again to protect and comfort her.