Speak (2004)

Leslie Lyles: Hairwoman

Quotes 

• Hairwoman : A revolutionary is only as good as his analysis. What does that mean?

  [Melinda raises her hand] 

  Hairwoman : Melinda, better late than never. Why is a revolutionary only as good as his or her analysis?

  Melinda Sordino : I think you should know what you stand for, not just what you're against. You should be able to show how things can be better.

  Hairwoman : That's pretty darn good.

• Hairwoman : Every word Hawthorne wrote, every comma, every paragraph break, these were done on purpose. It is our job to try and figure out what he's really trying to say.

  Melinda Sordino : [voiceover]  Why couldn't he just say what he meant? Would they pin a scarlet letter on his chest? "S" for straightforward?

  Hairwoman : The house with the chunks of glass in its walls, is a symbol of what? Well, it would reflect, sparkle? Come on, people. The house symbolizes...?

  Rachel Bruin : How do you know that's what he meant to say? I mean, you could just make all that up, it's just a story.

  Hairwoman : This is Hawthorne, one of America's greatest novelists. And not that it makes any difference, but I wrote my dissertation on Hawthorne.

  Rachel Bruin : Fine, but, I thought we were all supposed to have opinions here. I mean it's a good story especially when Hester and that guy fall in love, but I don't really believe in symbolism. I mean you can just make all that up.

  Hairwoman : [about to cry]  All right, class. I want you all to write a 500 word essay on symbolism. And then... turn it in!

  Melinda Sordino : [voiceover]  Poor Hairwoman. I hope they send her to a conference or something. I'm ready to help pay for a sub.