From Anderson's Speak, identify a character and the lesson they learned.

I would say that one of the lessons that Melinda learns is
to never be silenced by individuals or a collective setting.  Melinda experiences the
brutal end of the "tyranny of the majority" in her narrative.  One of the lessons that
she learns is that she has a voice and while it might not be validated by the pervading
social order, that does not minimize its right to exist and to be heard.  Through her
confrontation with "it" at the end, Melinda learns to be heard, to use her voice and to
not dwell in silence.  I think that this is one lesson gained.  I would say that another
lesson Melinda gains is recognizing the value of isolation and reflection.  Granted, she
is shunned by her peers and her society.  Yet, Melinda learns a valuable lesson that
much good in terms of self acknowledgement, reflection, and rumination can take place
outside of the social setting.  She endures much in way of pain, both inflicted by
society and by her own self.  Yet, I think that Melinda walks away from the novel's end
with a firm understanding of how important it is to have an identity carved separate
from the "madding crowd."  In this, a life lesson has been learned and something that
she will take with her the rest of her days.