Society’s Contribution to Silent Tendency of Sexually Assaulted Child as Reflected in Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak

Resty Maudina Septiani (Andalas University)
Eva Najma (Andalas University)

VIVID Journal of Language and Literature
Vol 6, No 2 (2017)

This research analyzes sexually-assaulted child’s silent tendency as depicted in Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak. This social problem reflects one of social issues in America in 1999. I use sociology of literature theory from Alan Swingewood to analyze social issue in American society. This research uses descriptive qualitative method. I find that Laurie Halse Anderson depicts Melinda’s silent tendency is influenced by people around her. Sexually-assaulted child tends to not reporting the assault. It reflects sexual assault issue in America in 1999.