The Perks of Coming of Age
Similar to many other coming-of-age narratives, in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Charlie struggles to conform with his peers. In the opening scenes, we learn that Charlie often writes to a nameless Friend, including on his first day of high school when he’s ultimately unsuccessful at making any in the flesh. In his letters, Charlie constantly talks about the other kids at school, clinging onto any seedling of connection he has to their lives; in the cafeteria, he talks about a girl who he knew in middle school and a boy that played football with his older brother. Despite being the central protagonist of the movie, Charlie’s words bring everyone’s existences to life but his own.
Charlie is eventually drawn to Patrick, a carefree and outspoken senior in his woodworking class-- in other words, the polar opposite of his own self. Patrick introduces Charlie to the rest of his friend group including Sam, his equally easy going stepsister (who Charlie develops a crush on), and Mary Elizabeth (who likes Charlie).At first, Charlie dutifully obeys his new pack, following them everywhere and agreeing with everything they say, almost excessively;
“Sam: ‘What about Eides? You love Eides, right?’
Charlie: ‘Yeah, of course. They’re great.’
Patrick: ‘Not a band, Charlie.’” (00:13:36).
In this moment, Charlie alters himself to match Patrick and Sam out of his desire to fit in, rather than be honest about what he really likes. However, by also asking Charlie about The Smiths, his favorite group, his friends reassure him to be himself and to pursue his own interests.
Later, when Mary Elizabeth more or less forces herself onto Charlie, he complies-- although he’s visibly uncomfortable. Then, when Mary Elizabeth asserts that they are dating, Charlie once again goes along with it to spare her feelings, and continues to bend over backwards so he doesn't upset her. Eventually, Charlie’s patient disposition fades and his annoyance builds until one night, when he accidentally kisses Sam instead of Mary Elizabeth after being dared to kiss the prettiest girl in the room. Though he later apologizes for hurting her, this is a turning point for Charlie because he learns that sacrificing his own livelihood to make others happy doesn't benefit anyone.
By the end of the book, Charlie has learned that he must do things for himself and not just for the approval of those around him. Through his newfound self reliance and establishment of boundaries, Charlie's emotional maturity is unmistakable. This is further reflected in his writing; Charlie's letters are primarily him reflecting on his own life and finally, he has become the main character.
Great description! I've never seen this movie and I could get a good grasp of what happened throughout. I like how you related his growth not only to his new found self confidence; but also to how his letters changed. I look forward to seeing this movie sometime to see him come of age for myself. :)
ReplyDeleteI really liked the way you talked about the focus of the narrative as a part of Charlie's coming of age. I had never noticed it, but it's definitely true. For Charlie, learning how to be confident and outgoing is a challenge for him, but he so wants the social connection that comes from it. This movie kind of confuses me because he loses and finds parts of himself throughout, but I guess thats more likely to happen in real life.
ReplyDeleteI think it's really interesting how in the beginning of the movie Charlie doesn't really conform, but then at the end of the movie, learns that he doesn't need to. In the beginning he really wants friends, but learns how painful it can be to try and please others all the time. His relationship with his new friends causes him to learn a lot about himself, having relationships, and the human experience. I also think his innocence and desperation for human connection pushed him to do things he wouldn't have done otherwise.
ReplyDeletethis is my favorite book! I love how he realizes that participating in life is necessary in order to feel the joy of life, even if there is pain that comes with that. I love how you said he "becomes the main character". Instead of always being on the outside looking in and focused on other people's lives more than his own, he comes to the understanding that his life matters as well and he has to do things for himself as well, rather than overflowing with empathy for others.
ReplyDeleteYou made some great points. The fact that he realizes that doing things for others helps nobody, and that when you have come of age, you know that you are equally important as everyone else. Finding the right balance between selflessness and selfishness.
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