Symbolism: Trees

In Laurie Halse Anderson’s novel, Speak, there are various forms of symbolism occurring. Trees is the symbol which I feel relates most to the main character, Melinda. 

She reached her hand into the globe during art class and drew out the word, tree. While her first impression is that a tree is too simple and that she should draw again. After all, she learned to draw a tree in second grade. Mr. Freeman quickly stated, “You just chose your destiny, you can’t change that.” (page 12) 

 She first thought it would be an easy assignment, she later learned it wasn’t as simple as she imagined and she had a difficult time throughout the semester.

Trees are so prevalent in Melinda’s life. They show up various times throughout the course of Melinda's freshman year: during her rape, in her yard, and also during school. The use of trees really helps Melinda work through the pain Andy Evan’s has caused.

In one instance, Melinda is painting watercolors of trees that have been struck by lightning. “I try to paint them so they are nearly dead, but not totally.” (page 31) This is significant because it shows how much she is relating herself to the tree. She's not actually "saying" this, but she is expressing it in her work. She feels dead on the inside, but there is still a little light flickering inside of her- she’s not completely dead and there is still a spark of hope.

Toward the end of the novel, Melinda begins to see the light at the end of the tunnel. An example of this is when the pruning of the trees takes place. Her dad explains to her that by cutting off the damage, it’s then possible for the tree to grow again. He states, “You watch- by the end of summer, this tree will be the strongest on the block.” (page 187)

This strongly relates to Melinda. The damaged part of the tree is similar to her life following the rape. Once these parts are removed from the tree, it will grow and be strong. Melinda now realizes that she, too, can be strong and she can develop into her new identity. A stronger self.

So, just as trees go through stages of changes, that held true for Melinda, too.

She chose her destiny when she reached her hand into that globe and the subject matter that she initially thought was too simplistic actually ended up saving her.