Speak and the Birds' Symbolism

Anguish, hope, and forgiveness might not be the very first connections a person tends to make to the thought of birds. In her novel, Speak, Laurie Halse Anderson is capable to transform ordinary birds into strong symbols. Heavy/controversial topics are discussed in Anderson’s function, and not all of her message can be conveyed by way of literal ideas on the sentence level. The symbol of birds reflect protagonist Melinda’s inner conflicts as the story progresses. Anderson utilizes the evolution of birds and their which means to Melinda Sordino to unify themes related to trauma, redemption, and freedom.

The evolution of the which means of birds in this novel can be traced back to the Sordino family’s symbolic Thanksgiving turkey. The disastrous bird represents tradition – solidified by years of innocent childhood memories – that Melinda can no longer recognize right after becoming raped. On the other hand, Melinda’s parents idolize this turkey and what it stands for. They think about succeeding at their annual “holy obligation” as redemption for their failures as a loved ones every single other day. To Melinda’s mom in particular, “Thanksgiving dinner signifies something…if her mother cooks a proper Thanksgiving dinner, it says they’ll be a household for a single more year.” The corrosive nature of Melinda’s criticism of her ignorant mother shows how much she has changed. Anderson’s use of hyperbole when describing how badly the turkey was butchered creates a caustic, contemptuous tone. Right after Melinda’s dad butchers the turkey further, he “buries the soup in the back yard next to their dead beagle, Ariel.” Melinda’s naive parents can not start to realize what she’s going via, what she’s lost, or what the turkey signifies to her. Her scornful tone shows that Melinda wants assistance, but can not attain out to her neglectful parents. They do not comprehend her condemnation of tradition and the previous, which she’s buried away like the failed Thanksgiving soup. This broken tradition relates to Halse Anderson’s message that till victims of traumatic experiences accept what has occurred and forgiven themselves for it, their outlook on life is completely changed. Melinda’s parents don’t comprehend she lost much more than her virginity the evening she was raped. She lost her innocence, her previous, the traditions that created her who she utilized to be. Anderson’s use of the turkey symbolizes all that Melinda after was, and what she could become if she forgave herself for the these losses.

As a rape victim carrying the extra burden of crippling depression, redemption is especially critical to Melinda. The turkey bones have been transformed from an item in the trash to a operate of art complete of emotion and which means. This symbol represents second probabilities, and the developing hope for someone like Melinda to heal. Her statue shows Melinda’s capacity to turn scarred bits and pieces into anything complete, some thing wanted. She learned from her teacher and friend, Mr.Freeman, to “hang on to everything a normal particular person would throw out…” Still, the turkey bone statue also shows that Melinda is still struggling. Under the continuous burden depression locations on her, Melinda is floundering. Although she’s starting to figure out how the broken pieces of her former self fit together, she nonetheless demands to uncover the strength to rip off “the piece of tape over Barbie’s mouth” that keeps her from speaking up. Anderson’s use of tactile imagery when describing the statue and tape contributes to the concept that Melinda is physically unable to speak. This situation is as if a tangible, real force is holding back Melinda. This statue in the end relates to themes of redemption. When a person forgotten, broken, or left behind is provided a second likelihood, they can turn into entire once again. Melinda’s journey had come to a point where she realized this, but nonetheless had a extended ways to go before leaving behind the burdens of her past.

Towards the end of Melinda’s story, birds take on a entire new which means for her. The freedom symbolized by a bird’s flight is something she achieves by releasing the guilt, shame, and self-loathing that held down her wings. On her final art project, she “draws them without thinking – flight, flight, feather, wing.” Following countless attempts to excellent her work, Melinda decides to leave her perfectionism and anxiousness behind to commence a new life. Without having a doubt, hope is on the horizon as her “birds bloom in the light, their feathers expanding guarantee.” Anderson’s intentional choice in diction when describing how the birds “bloom” with “expanding promise” creates an optimistic tone. This voice is crucial in setting up the stage for an outcome where Melinda is not only free like a bird in flight, but hopeful and prepared to take on the possibilities that lay ahead. After getting held back for so lengthy, the release of guilt and shame liberates Melinda. She learns that forgiveness can save anybody from the burdens of a painful past even if that forgiveness comes from oneself. Prior to, birds represented restrictions limits that kept Melinda from growing, healing, or most importantly, from getting free. Ultimately, her newfound flight has led her to a life where she can actually be alive.

As Melinda Sordino grew as a person, the symbol of birds changed with her. The Thanksgiving dinner, the statue, and Melinda’s final art project became far more than their far more evident meanings. By taking traits connected with these individual symbols, Laurie Halse Anderson transforms an daily creature into considerable symbols that bring to focus themes related to trauma, redemption, and liberation. Readers ached with the protagonist in her darkest occasions grew hopeful with when she realized she could heal and rejoiced when a tiny bird told them that Melinda would ultimately be free.