The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky Book Analysis

“So this is my life and I want you to know that I am both happy and sad and I'm still trying to figure out how that could be” - Chbosky. In the novel, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, Charlie is an introverted freshman student who is coming of age. He is dealing with death, depression, and anxiety as he begins his freshman year of high school while being introduced to a new world that he is unfamiliar with. Charlie makes new friends with Sam and Patrick, who are both in high school but are older than him. Charlie spends time with them and learns what it's like to be a high schooler. 

Charlie's friends are a positive influence because they introduced him to a new world. Growing up, Charlie spends most of his time alone in his own world, with no experience of the outside world. Charlie has never had friends or been to a party because his only friend, Michael, committed suicide last year.he spends much of his time alone, but Sam invites him to one.In the novel it states, “Sam told me during the game that they were going over to their friend's house later for a party. Then, she asked me if I wanted to go, and I said yes because I had never been to a party before.” (chbosky pg.29) This demonstrates that Sam inviting Charlie to a party will provide him with an opportunity to participate in life and get him to see the outside world. 

Some people might argue that Charlie’s friends are a negative influence because he meets the wrong people. However, this thinking is wrong. Charlie’s friends are actually a positive influence because they help him become more social. Patrick and Sam went to a party with Charlie, which was his first time, and he didn't know anyone. They make him feel comfortable by introducing him to new people. In the novel, it states “everyone was friendly to me and asked me a lot of questions about myself.” Charlie’s friends are helping him gain more confidence in talking to people, which is positive because making friends helps his mental health. They're encouraging him to be in the moment and interact with new people.

Charlie’s friends help him leave his comfort zone; they make him feel more comfortable doing things that he as an introvert doesn't do. Sam was getting ready for the Rocky performance and needed someone to play Rocky because her boyfriend couldn't make it, so she asked Charlie to do it. In the scene of “the perks of being a wallflower” film it shows, Charlie dances in front of a large crowd while performing the show shirtless. Despite the fact that he was doing something beyond his comfort zone, he was enjoying it and felt comfortable doing it, and having Sam there with him helps him feel even better about trying something new. 

Charlie's friends had a positive influence on him since they gave him new experiences, introduced him to new people, and encouraged him to do new things. Charlie is depressed, and he might not have made it through without the help of his friends. They helped him in trying new things. He uses everything Sam and Patrick taught him about life and friendship all through high school. Because his friends are around, Charlie is finally able to live a normal life.