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I wrote this for my English class and thought I’d share it because this is my writing account. Minor spoilers I think. Everyone read this book. ◞ ♪⃞ᭊི ۬۟
᭤ㅤㅤ tw: bullying, isolation, alienation, SA
The purpose of this project is to analyze Laurie Halse Anderson’s use of literary devices in the novel Speak. Through this analysis, I will demonstrate how Anderson effectively used symbolism, motifs, and tone to contribute to the overall meaning of the text. In Speak, the story revolves around a high school freshman named Melinda Sordino who stops speaking after being sexually assaulted at a party during the summer. The actions she took after being assaulted led her friend and everyone else to turn on her, essentially giving her no reason to speak. I truly believe Speak is an incredible novel that realistically portrays the aftermath of sexual assault. Anderson handles the topic with care, creating a story that feels deeply personal and has been credited as being instrumental in helping people move on after experiencing it.
The first literary device I will discuss is symbolism. This can be defined as when objects, characters, actions, or other recurring elements take on another, more profound meaning. They can also represent an abstract concept. An example of this can be seen all throughout the book through the usage of trees, the tree is the most significant symbol in the book. This example of symbolism shows up within the first 20 pages of the book when we are introduced to Melinda’s art class and teacher Mr. Freeman. He gives the students one thing to master the entire school year, only they have to pick it from a globe. In the text it says “I plunge my hand into the bottom of the globe and fish out my paper. “Tree.” Tree? It’s too easy” (Anderson 12). This tree Melinda works on in art class symbolizes her personal growth and healing. It starts off broken and lifeless, reflecting the state her assault left her in and the way carrying that around makes her feel. As she slowly confronts her trauma and begins to heal, the trees she creates grow with her symbolizing her resilience and ability to overcome. Another example of symbolism isn’t as prominent but is still impactful. The next piece of symbolism is introduced when Melinda discovers a small abandoned closet on school grounds while running to hide from Mr. Neck. In the text it says, “No janitor has chilled in this closet for a very long time. [...] This closet is abandoned - it has no purpose, no name. It is the perfect place for me” (Anderson 26). Melinda’s closet symbolizes both her isolation and need for safety as she copes with the aftermath of her assault. It’s a physical manifestation of her need for control and protection, one that loses its importance as she grows stronger and morphs into a reflection of her journey.
The second literary device I will discuss is the motif. This can be defined as a recurring element that holds some symbolic or conceptual meaning. An example of this can be seen through Anderson’s usage of silence and voice. Voice plays a major part in the novel, even more so given its title Speak. The idea surrounding it and silence is explored continuously, her deemed refusal to use her voice is brought up the most, and in a negative light. “‘Why won’t you say anything?’ “For the love of God, open your mouth!’ ‘This is childish, Melinda.’ ‘Say something,’” (Anderson 114). This silence is both literal and metaphorical, reflecting her fear and shame. Her ability to speak out, much like the tree, represents her healing and growth. Another example of motifs is created in the form of the high school she goes to. Melinda’s high school, Merryweather High School,acts as so much more than just a setting for the novel. It’s honestly a battleground for Melinda, a place where her feelings of isolation and trauma are magnified. Teachers, peers, friends, and social culture all serve as detrimental opposition for her as she tries to navigate her freshman year. Her biggest problem at that school are the students. Because she called the police after being assaulted, every student there that night or had caught wind of it ostracized her without understanding or caring for context. This behavior only gets worse as she can’t join clubs and the only friend she made the entire school year drops her because her club doesn’t like Melinda. “We were never really, really friends, were we? I mean, it’s not like I ever slept over at your house or anything. We like to do different things. I have my modeling, and I like to shop [...] You don’t like anything. You are the most depressed person I’ve ever met and excuse me for saying this, but you’re no fun to be around and I think you need professional help” (Anderson 105). This moment mirrors the broader motif the high school creates of alienation. Just as the student body shuns Melinda, her own friend does as well. It also ties back to our previously discussed motif of voice and silence; her inability to tell her story combined with moments like these only give her more reason not to speak
The final literary device I will discuss is tone. This can be defined as the language and word choice an author uses with their subject matter. Anderson does something I found to be unique with her tone throughout the book. When I first heard of the book I assumed it’d be written similar to the way Twilight was; mature and in depth with vivid imagery. It wasn’t like that at all. Instead, I felt like I was in Melinda’s head, or at least reading her journal. Her language is so realistic, despite the differences in schooling systems I could completely imagine myself as Melinda. The book carries a cynical and sarcastic tone, Melinda’s inner monologue is laced with sarcasm and dark humor which reflects her coping mechanism. An example of this can be seen literally all throughout the book, it's a defining feature. I have a favorite moment, though. This takes place a bit after a bit after her History teacher, Mr. Neck makes a racist speech complaining about the fact his son can’t get a job. Melinda has to take a quiz to see what career would benefit her in the future and the job she gets is the one his son couldn’t. “His son wanted to be a firefighter, but didn’t get the job. Mr. Neck is convinced that this is some kind of reverse discrimination. [...] The job test said that I would be a good firefighter. I wonder if I could take a job away from Mr. Neck’s son.” (Anderson 54). This does a great job of showing how Melinda deflects through humor, her sarcasm is not only relatable but gives us a closer look into how she uses it to deal with the hostile environment she’s in. The quote also provides some interesting social commentary on race matters and the critique of discrimination argument.
In Speak, Laurie Halse Anderson masterfully uses literary devices like symbolism, motifs, and tone to paint a realistic and deeply emotional portrait of trauma and recovery. Through the symbolism of trees, the recurring motifs like silence and isolation, and Melinda’s cynical yet authentic voice, Anderson gives readers access to the complex inner world of a girl coping with sexual assault. These devices do more than tell a story - they immerse us in Melinda’s experience, making her growth and healing feel earned and powerful.
a/n: I wrote this in December of last year for English, likes I said. It was 4 pages in Google Docs so I understand if there’s any “I ain’t reading allat” comments. If there are any spelling errors… oh well. I got a 100 on this, so that’s all that matters to me.
guys TRUST I will be returning to this account to not ONLY write stuff about The Outsiders but other pieces of literature that have captured my interest. If there's something you want me to write about in specific about The Outsiders, or any book, trust I will. Leave it in my inbox. If I've never read the book or don't have it I probably won't reply... but that's a small price to pay guys! I won't write fan fiction, though... unless your idea really piques my interest then I'll consider it. But yeah, that's my ted talk. Please annihilate my inbox huzz.
! 🗯 ⋆ in which i persuade you into believing dally is irredeemable
( a/n : this is based off that poll I posted a while ago asking for help deciding what I should write my persuasive letter about. this the result of that. enjoy! )
Dear Reader,
My name is Jeremy, I’m a loser who runs a tumblr account. I am writing to you as someone who likes analyzing characters to express my views on the character of Dallas Winston.
Dallas Winston, one of the main characters in S.E Hinton’s iconic novel, The Outsiders, is often seen as a complex and intriguing character by many readers. However, his actions throughout the novel raise questions about his intentions and motivations. In this letter, I aim to present evidence and argue my belief that Dallas Winston is ultimately an irredeemable character, whose actions and choices cannot be excused or forgiven.
For context, Dallas Winston is described as being one of the older members of the book's main group. He’s mean, cold, tuff, and the most hardened and violent. He spent most of his life living on the streets of New York, getting into so much trouble that he was first arrested at the mere age of ten. While this does not define a person, it certainly does him.
This is the first reason I believe Dallas is irredeemable: Johnny Cade. The relationship and dynamics between Johnny and Dallas is nuanced. Despite their differences in mental and physical characteristics, they have a strong bond between them. Dallas constantly shows special treatment towards Johnny, which is evident in the second chapter when they are at the drive-in theater. Dallas is making inappropriate comments toward a soc girl named Cherry. While both Ponyboy and Johnny were uncomfortable by this behavior, Johnny is the only one who intervenes. “Dallas just scowled for a second. If it had been me, or Two-Bit, or Soda, or Steve or anyone but Johnny, Dally would have flattened him without hesitation,” (Hinton). This highlights the deep connection between the two characters, but how good can that really be? Johnny is seen idolizing Dallas throughout the book, this stems from his troubled relationship with his parents causing Johnny to feel the need to earn Dally’s approval. Dallas, on the other hand, uses this power imbalance to his advantage, lashing out at Johnny when he tries to assert independence. This relationship highlights the toxicity that has existed throughout Dally’s life.
Continuing that, I bring you to my second reason: Dallas has known nothing but a life of crime and hatred. Now, I know what you’re thinking. People change, right? Well, Dallas is a different story. He has allowed his upbringing to define who he is in the novel - his abusive dad, absent mother, numerous run-ins with the law, and other traumatic experiences have shaped his negative outlook on life. For example, in Chapter Five, Dally, Johnny, and Ponyboy are in Dally’s car outside a Dairy Queen. When Johnny asks Dallas if his parents have asked about him, Dallas gets rather upset at Johnny. “You think my old man gives a hang if I’m dead in a car wreck, or drunk, or jail or something’? He doesn’t care, and that doesn’t bother me none,” (Hinton). By saying this, Dallas shows that he has internalized the neglect he experienced from his father to the point where he has become desensitized to the feelings of others who have different ones. It also shows one of Dally’s biggest defense mechanisms, violence.
My final reason is that Dallas Winston is weak. When I say weak, I’m referring to Dally’s mental strength rather than his physical strength. I’m sure that boy is malnourished, lactose intolerant, and can’t handle gluten. But, I digress. Despite being portrayed as a strong character, his behavior shows nothing but weakness. He’s weaker than Johnny mentally. He’s weak with how he handles serious issues, relationships, and his own life. He recklessly deals with issues and his reaction to Johnny’s death serves as the perfect example of that. “Why can I take it when Dally can’t? And then I knew, Johnny was the only thing Dally loved. And now Johnny was gone,” (Hinton). As this iconic novel comes to a close, we witness two major character deaths, the first one being Johnny’s. As previously stated, Johnny and Dallas had a special relationship. Initially, Dallas doesn’t seem to react much to Johnny’s death, but as the moments pass, he becomes increasingly unstable, unable to cope with his emotions. He runs out following a moment of melodramatic whimpering, later we found out he robbed a magazine store with an empty gun. The way he handles his grief by resorting to violence, ultimately leading to his death, highlights his weaknesses. “Dally didn’t die a hero. He died violent, young, and desperate. Just like we all knew he’d die someday … But Johnny was right, He died gallant,” (Hinton).
Some individuals who hold an opposing view to mine believe that Dally is redeemable based on his loyalty to the gang and his good treatment of Johnny. However, Dallas has no actual sense of loyalty. He has a tendency to double-cross others for what appears to be his own amusement contradicts this viewpoint completely. The best example of this would be Dally’s on-and-off again friendship with Tim Shepard, the leader of a different gang in town. This is first brought up in the second chapter by Two-Bit Mathews when he says, “That’s why I came over. Mr. Timothy Shepard and Co. are looking for whoever so kindly slashed their car’s tires, and since Mr. Curly Shepard spotted Dallas doing it … well … does Dallas have a blade?” (Hinton). The fact that Dally’s tendency to betray people is a joke to his friends undermines any argument that attempts to redeem him based on his loyalty. Additionally, the incident where Dally lashed their tries and his lack of remorse for engaging in such petty and destructive behavior further demonstrates his lack of a moral compass.
I urge you to never find yourself in a position where you can actively sympathize with the man that was Dallas Winston. And that, if you do, you get the help you desperately need.
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Kendrick actually saw a person die outside his Compton apartment when he was just five years old where in his mind, he realized that this type of violence is what he's going to have to get used to while growing up. He has experienced homelessness. He lived on welfare and foodstamps. Saw his friends die, even held one of his dying friends in his arms gently like he was holding a baby. Battled with avoiding the gang lifestyle that kept tempting him. Made a song titled Chapter Six with the lyric "Pray that we make it to 21" because of all the death he's experienced.
To see Drake think it's fun and cute and easy money, pretending to be from the hood/about that life/be someone he's not and never do a damn thing for the Black American community he bites from, THAT IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY KENDRICK HATES THAT MAN!
( a/n : a lot of these were taken from @crow2222 ‘s post which provided facts about Darry from the book. I reblogged it before posting this so go take a look at that if you please! )
✶ hates movies???
WHAT?????
✶ Captain of the football team
never a good sign
✶ probably also did choir or sumn
✶ The future back issues are gonna be insane
✶ Intimidating
✶ drinks black coffee
✶ Never locks his fucking doors
PSYCHOPATH. PSY-CHO-PATH.
✶ he has an attitude
✶ Eats everything
✶ GAY
he knows gymnastics AND ballet (you need ballet for football)
✶ Bro does not get enough sleep
✶ properly has a tramp stamp
✶ idk who said this but DARRY IS AFRAID OF WOMEN
gay??
✶ thousand yard stare
✶ the type of person to apologize by making the person favorite food instead of saying he’s sorry
✶ SNORES
and he does that smoker cough in his sleep too, fucking sleep apnea
✶ Spencerian handwriting
✶ collects oddly scented lotions and candles
✶ stands fruity
✶ chicken on his pizza.
✶ desperate for the American dream
and I mean desperate. he dreams about it, cries about it, eats about it, drinks about it - he needs it
✶ picks favorites
✶ Owns a kiss the cook apron
😒😒
✶ hot take, lacks empathy
✶ Savior complex
✶ totally has a guitar he never uses but no ones allowed to touch it because it’s expensive
He doesn't like films- thinks his life is enough without inspecting other people's.
Looks just like his father but acts the opposite of him.
People had always mistaken him and his dad as brothers instead of father and son.
Darry likes being teased by sodapop.
He was a real popular guy in school. He was captain of the football team, and was voted Boy of the year.
Him and Sodapop wrestle and tickle ponyboy out of bed.
Dally told pony "You ought to see Darry. He's takin this mighty hard" when visiting ponyboy at the church
Darry was the unofficial leader of their gang, since he kept his head best.
Not even Darry wants to tangle with Dally, he was dangerous.
He didn't cry at his parents funeral. Just stuffed his fists into his pockets and wore a helpless, pleading look.
Darry told the reporters Pony is in no shape to be yelled at so much and they slowed down because he's kinda big.
Darry and Sodapop had their pictures taken by reporters too, because they were so good looking.
Darry convinced the nurse to tell him whats Johnny's and Dallys condition.
Darry likes his eggs in a bacon and tomato sandwich.
He drinks black coffee.
Darry was convinced by sodapop and pony to let them eat chocolate cake for breakfast. It didn't take a lot to convince him: he loves chocolate cake as much as his brothers.
They never lock their doors, and when Two-bits mom tried to warn them about burglars, Darry just flexed his muscles so they bulged like oversized baseballs, and drawled that he wasn't afraid of any burglars.
He works two jobs at once and makes good at both of them.
The gang sometimes calls Darry "muscles" or "Superman". (earlier in the book ponyboy mentions his Superman qualities)
Darry had taken Pony to a doctor after his bad nightmares, and even after he stopped dreaming them, Darry would still ask if he dreamed anymore.
Darry sometimes calls Sodapop- PepsiCola, which was his dad's nickname for him.
He called Ponyboy Little buddy after the rumble, which was his nickname for Sodapop.
Darrys stricter with Ponyboy than their parents had been.
"The only thing that keeps Darry from being a Soc is us"
The Curtis brothers all eat like horses- Especially Darry. He had cooked two chickens before the rumble because of this.
Darry started shaving at 13.
Darry never had long hair. His was short and clean all the time.
Darry fights for pride.
Darry had taught the gang acrobatics after he took a course of it at the Y. He spent a whole summer teaching then everything, thinking it'd come in handy in a fight.
"He wasnt to be any hood when he got old. He was going to get somewhere. That's why he's better than the rest of us."
Darrys in better shape than most greasers. "This is partly because they dont eat much and partly because they're slouchy. Darry looked like he could whip anyone there."
Darry and Paul used to buddy it around all the time- Paul was the best half-back on Darrys football team.
"You could see he hated Paul now. It wasn't only jealously- Darry had a right to be jealous; he was ashamed to be on our side, ashamed to be seen with the Brumly boys, Shepards gang, maybe even us."
Darry and Sodaoop had never been beaten in a fight before.
Darry had pulled his armchair into Ponyboys room so he can look over him when he was sick after the rumble.
Darry checks Pony's math homework and catches all his mistakes- then makes him do them again.
Darry, Sodapop and Ponyboy tied when running back to the house- they wanted to stay together.
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