Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
In the novel "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson, Melinda is dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic experience that has left her isolated and unable to speak up about what happened. Throughout the story, people want different things from Melinda. Her parents want her to do well in school and behave appropriately, her teachers want her to participate in class, her classmates want her to be sociable and "normal," and her ex-best friend Rachel wants her to be a part of her social circle again.
Melinda handles these expectations in different ways. With her parents, she mostly stays silent and tries to stay out of trouble. With her teachers, she initially refuses to speak but eventually begins to participate more in class. With her classmates, she mostly avoids them and spends time alone. And with Rachel, she tries to distance herself from her and their former friendship.
Overall, Melinda struggles to meet the expectations of those around her because of her trauma and the emotional toll it has taken on her. She often feels disconnected from the world and the people in it, which makes it difficult for her to engage with others in a way that feels authentic or meaningful to her. However, over the course of the story, she begins to find her voice and express herself more openly, showing that she is not just a passive recipient of other people's expectations but an individual with her own thoughts and feelings.