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Perks Of Being A Wallflower Essay

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Research Paper

Introduction and aim
This research paper aims to analyze the book "Perks of Being a Wallflower" and the film "Moonlight", which both depict the lives and vulnerability of queer characters. My study will investigate how the queer characters in the different stories are negatively impacted by the norms of a heteronormative society as a result of their non-conformity. Furthermore, queer theory will be used to analyze the result, which criticizes society's gender and sexuality norms. As such, the meaning of this paper is to provide a deeper understanding of the impact of societal norms on queer individuals' lives and how it relates to theory. Research question
How does the book "Perks of Being a Wallflower" and movie “Moonlight” …show more content…

Queer theorists challenge the traditional role of genders and heterosexuality. They argue that tradition, social and cultural reasons form people’s way of behaving, also from a sexual point of view. Because of this, heterosexuality is by tradition normalized in our society while queerness is looked upon as abnormal. Queer theory does not say that one sexual orientation is better than the other. However, queer theory challenges the traditional view that our gender identities are presumed to be heterosexual. The theory means to deconstruct heteronormative narratives and create a society with acceptance for the complexity of gender and sexuality. Sexuality is not an essential truth depending on one person's body, but rather how the person acts in reality. Sex and gender are both social constructions and should not be categorized by the binary system “feminine” or …show more content…

They provide an in-depth examination of the challenges faced by individuals who don't conform to conventional heterosexual norms in seeking acceptance and support from society. This accentuates the urgency for individuals to receive guidance and empathy in their sexual journey and the crucial role of building a more welcoming and diversified society. Just as queer theory asserts that all sexual orientations hold equal worth and value. In “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”, Patrick developed depression and to cope, he drank, had sex with strangers, and went out on wild nights with Charlie. Eventually Patrick sees Brad coping with the same lifestyle and get out of his abuse. In the end at Moonlight, Chiron admits that Kevin was the only romantic or sexual relationship he ever had. The movie also sheds light on the internalized shame and self-doubt that Chiron experienced as a result of the bullying and discrimination he faced. Chiron had to be hyper-vigilant early in life to survive, because he was perceived to be homosexual. Therefore, he quickly accepted the sadness of solitude to get a moment’s

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