The Nonverbal Communication of Melinda in Laurie Halse Anderson's "Speak"

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The essay explores the concept of communication as defined by Paul Watzlawick, emphasizing that all behavior communicates, even in the absence of words. It highlights the struggles of individuals with low self-esteem, particularly in the context of Young Adult Fiction, using Laurie Halse Anderson's character Melinda from "Speak" as a case study. Melinda's silence, stemming from trauma, leads to her isolation, while her inner thoughts offer a sarcastic perspective on her reality. The essay illustrates how Anderson conveys Melinda's experiences through vivid imagery rather than direct narration.