* Denial and Dissociation: "It" acts as a way for Melinda to distance herself from the traumatic experience. She cannot bring herself to name the event or the perpetrator, as it is too painful and overwhelming. Using "it" allows her to keep the event at bay and avoid confronting the full weight of its impact.
* Shame and Guilt: The assault has left Melinda feeling deeply ashamed and responsible, even though she knows she was the victim. Using "it" allows her to avoid attributing the event to a person, thus mitigating her feelings of guilt and blame.
* Lack of Control: The assault took away Melinda's sense of control and agency. Using "it" reflects the feeling of being a passive observer in her own life. She is detached from her experience, as if it happened to someone else.
* The Power of Language: "It" is a dehumanizing pronoun, devoid of emotion or connection. This reflects the way the assault made Melinda feel: dehumanized, objectified, and disconnected from her own body.
* A Cry for Help: While "it" might seem like a way to avoid the issue, it's also a cry for help. By refusing to name the event or the perpetrator, Melinda is silently asking for someone to understand her pain and offer support.
Ultimately, "it" represents Melinda's struggle to process the trauma and find her voice. As she begins to confront her experience and rebuild her life, she gradually starts using more specific language, indicating her journey towards healing and reclaiming her narrative.