One thematic statement from Anderson's Speak is that isolation can allow people to better understand themselves.
Melinda goes through a horrific event the summer before her freshman year. She is unable to fully process it and its impact until she isolates herself from the rest of the world. She is not able to do this when she is in the company of others. Cutting herself from others enables Melinda to understand the implications of what happened to her. Melinda's isolation is what allows her to figure out what is important and how to "speak."
Isolation is what enables Melinda to grow. The outside world does not "get" her. As Melinda becomes increasingly isolated from others, she endures their scorn. Yet, Anderson is suggesting that being apart from the clamor of the outside world can allow the individual to get in touch with who they are and their belief systems. Isolation is a means for Melinda to find herself spiritually and emotionally. It also enables her to have the courage to challenge "It" and to finally open up to Mr. Freeman. Melinda experiences pain in her isolation. However, Melinda is fundamentally changed from the start of the novel to its end. Isolating herself from other people is the catalyst for this change.
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