Worth Repeating
Memorable Quotes and the Questions They Raise
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The following are a few of the memorable quotes from the novel Speak along with some opening questions for discussions and further thinking.
Lies, lies, lies...
“THE FIRST TEN LIES THEY TELL YOU IN HIGH SCHOOL
1. We are here to help you.
2. You will have time to get to your class before the bell rings.
3. The dress code will be enforced.
4. No smoking is allowed on school grounds.
5. Our football team will win the championship this year.
6. We expect more of you here.
7. Guidance counselors are always available to listen.
8. Your schedule was created with you in mind.
9. Your locker combination is private.
10. These will be the years you look back on fondly.
TEN MORE LIES THEY TELL YOU IN HIGH SCHOOL
1. You will use algebra in your adult lives.
2. Driving to school is a privilege that can be taken away.
3. Students must stay on campus during lunch.
4. The new text books will arrive any day now.
5. Colleges care more about you than your SAT scores.
6. We are enforcing the dress code.
7. We will figure out how to turn off the heat soon.
8. Our bus drivers are highly trained professionals.
9. There is nothing wrong with summer school.
10. We want to hear what you have to say.”
Now, let's talk about the questions we could discuss from this quote:
- What are some of the "lies" you've been told in your educational career?
- What do you make of Melinda's list? What would you leave off?
Standing up for yourself...
“You have to know what you stand for, not just what you stand against.”
“When people don't express themselves, they die one piece at a time.”
Consider these two quotes together:
- What do these quotes mean? What's the theme of the two?
- Do these have any roots in symbolizing the tree theme?
Speaking...
“I wonder how long it would take for anyone to notice if I just stopped talking.”
Now think about it:
- How long did it take for people to notice that Melinda had stopped talking?
- How long did it take for her to speak up?
- Have you ever felt the need to just disappear? If so, why? That is, if you don't mind speaking.
Don't stop here!
There are so many wonderful quotable moments in Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak. Make a list of some of your favorites and feel free to tack them up around your room, locker, or car. They can provide a wealth of inspiration and will remind you to always SPEAK.