The Perks Of Being A Wallflower Research Paper

From the moment one is born, society profoundly influences shaping one's beliefs, values, behaviors, and overall identity. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky follows the journey of Charlie, the narrator, written through a series of letters from Carlie to an unknown friend. At first, Charlie, a freshman in high school, is shy and socially inactive, but after meeting a group of seniors, he becomes more socially active. The society in The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky values conforming and fitting in, which influences, Charlie, the protagonist, to become more socially active, partake in drug use, and estrange himself from his trauma, anxiety, and depression. The society of The Perks of Being a Wallflower emphasizes the importance of fitting in high school, which manifests itself in Charlie becoming more socially active. After talking to his English teacher, Charlie takes a hiatus from writing. He writes after a while, "I am sorry I have not written to you in a couple of weeks, but I have been trying to participate" (Chbosky 7). Charlie takes a break from writing letters, his primary way of coping under processing his emotions and past. The society around Charlie values fitting in, and although Charlie is an introvert, he tries to take a break from writing letters to

After becoming alienated from his friends, he writes, "I do not know how much longer I can keep going without a friend" (Chbosky 80). Charlie adores his friends, but he also craves the feeling of having friends, which is the influence of a society that values fitting in, especially being in a clique. Charlie clings to the feeling of being able to fit in, which is the result of the society he is in; Charlie tries as hard as possible not to become a misfit and stranger. The society of The Perks of Being a Wallflower causes Charlie to become more socially active to make friends and fit