Maya Angelou, celebrated poet and civil rights activist once said, “Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with more meaning.” One’s voice is extremely important to the self. It is important to be able to take a stand and freely express one’s point of view. All people should have the right to voice their feelings and opinions. In Laurie Halse Anderson’s novel Speak, Melinda Sordino has lost her ability to use her voice and speak up due to a traumatic event. The novel takes the reader on a journey through Melinda’s life as she struggles to find her voice. Through finding solace in an abandoned closet, being in Mr. Freeman’s class, and defeating Andy, Melinda finally found a way to be heard.
Intro Paragraph:
Hook (must tie to your thesis):Maya Angelou, celebrated poet and civil rights activist once said, “Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with more meaning.”
Thesis: Through finding solace in an abandoned closet, being in Mr. Freeman’s class and defeating Andy, Melinda finally found a way to be heard.
1st Supporting Reason: First, Melinda found comfort alone in the janitor’s closet when she could not speak to anyone as an outlet to express her feelings.
Direct Quote to tie to Reason #1: “This closet is abandoned – it has no purpose, no name. It is the perfect place for me” (Anderson 26).
Parenthetical Citation: (Anderson 26).
Transition Statement: (Wraps up paragraph, connects to thesis, and neatly flows to next paragraph)Melinda was also beginning to open up and stop staying hidden at school by starting to find herself through her art class and her teacher.
2nd Supporting Reason: In addition to an abandoned closet, being in Art class with Mr. Freeman has also given Melinda a sense of “comfort.”
Direct Quote to tie to Reason #2: “
Parenthetical Citation: ( )
Transition Statement: (Wraps up paragraph, connects to thesis, and neatly flows to next paragraph) The janitor’s closet and art with Mr. Freeman were significant factors in helping Melinda find her voice again; however, the one who helped her the most was the one who was responsible for taking it away.
3rd Supporting Reason:Like his name throughout the novel, Melinda’s interaction with Andy Evans transitioned from interest to fear to disgust to the need to fight back and be heard.
Direct Quote to tie to Reason #3: “
Parenthetical Citation: ( )
Transition Statement: (Wraps up paragraph, connects to thesis, and neatly flows to next paragraph) Melinda went from hiding to standing up for herself and finding a way to be heard, even when doing so were both mentally as well as physically painful.
Conclusion:
Restate thesis with different structure and word choice:
Clincher: