The aim of this paper is to show how Melinda, the protagonist of Lauri Halse Anderson's Speak (1999), struggles to form  identity as a voice in her society despite the crises she survives, especially rape. The major theme is her search for identity; the effort to build a voice under the pressures and difficulties she lives with, and her struggle against violence.  Speak tells the story of Melinda Sordino, a ninth grader at Merryweather High School in Syracuse, New York. Melinda and her closest friends attend a party with seniors and beer before her freshman year. At the party, Melinda feels uncomfortable and out of place. She gulps down a couple of beers before walking outside for some fresh air. While outside, Melinda meets Andy Evans, an attractive senior boy. Andy begins dancing with and kissing Melinda, and Melinda is taken aback but too drunk to say anything. Andy pushes her to the ground and rapes her. In her confusion afterward, Melinda dials 911 and the police arrive at the party, but Melinda finds herself unable to tell anyone what happened.  When the entire school discovers that Melinda broke up the party and got some students arrested, her friends stop speaking to her. No one knows that she was raped. She receives angry glares from strangers. She decides that just speaking hurts her, and remains mostly silent. She slips into depression and finds an abandoned janitor's closet and makes it her sanctuary. Because of Melinda's strong internal voice, it is clear that she is not a naturally weak person. On the contrary, she is witty and smart, astutely observing those around her. Thus Speak can be seen not as the story of a girl growing stronger, but of an already strong girl overcoming depression. It is a story of a girl who finds her voice