The outsider in The Perks of Being a Wallflower
The perks of being a wallflower by Stephen Chbosky is the first novel that comes to mind when talking about outsiders. Saying that Charlie, the main character of the novel is shy is an understatement. Charlie has an extremely difficult time with feelings and how to express them comparing to others, even if they may be confusing for anyone. The entire book is written as a series of letters to a “friend”. His letters give us an intimate look into his life, his thoughts, his hopes, his fears, and his fragile mental state. He writes these anonymous letters to unburden himself, thus, the recipient never learns who sent them, nor is able to replay. Having to hide in order to express himself or just talk to someone, may be considered a sign of diffidence, low self-esteem and poor social skills. However, through these letters (and with help from his English teacher), Charlie develops his writing skills and, in the end, he realizes he wants to become a writer. When asked about his relationship with the character, Stephen Chbosky confirmed that he somehow relates to Charlie because he does “see life the way Charlie does”. However, the character is not based on himself: “my life in high school was in many ways different.” (Chbosky, LA Youth). The book starts with
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In Charlie's mind, though, Sam is just an unattainable goal. She's pretty clear in her demand that he doesn't pursue her: "I like Craig. And I know that I told you not to think of me that way. And I know that we can't be together". (Chbosky, The perks of being a wallflower). However, she is a good friend to Charlie. Her honest concern for him is pretty clear. When Charlie starts to freak out because of his repressed memories, she handles it with elegance. And although she has to leave for college shortly after Charlie's breakdown begins, she comes back to visit and takes him through a tunnel that he