ELA
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky: Synthesis Page
Claim: Charlie is having a difficult time adapting to the world he is recognizing as he is going through this phase of growing up and maturing.
Symbols:
The Rocky Horror Picture Show:
This is a location, an auditorium, in which Charlie and his friends get to forget about all the stress and hardships that are happening in all aspects of everyone's lives. In this location, Charlie and his friends find a way to connect as opposed to worrying about others, and through acting in a play, it strengthens their bond. As readers, we also remember that in the 80's and 90's, there weren't many efficient ways of communicating, so acting was a great way of socializing. "I won't go into detail about the whole show, but I had the best time I ever had in my whole life. I'm not kidding. I got to pretend that I was singing, and I got to dance around, and I got to wear a 'feather boa' in the grande finale, which I wouldn't have thought anything of because it's part of the show, but Patrick couldn't stop talking about it."
Books and Music:
Charlie isn't someone who generally focuses on reality. For example, reading books is a way that Charlie can find himself (the books are mostly classic books) and he doesn't profoundly connect with the book, but use it as a tool of keeping himself stabilized in the real world. In addition, Charlie makes several references of songs from the 60's, 70's, 80's, and early 90's, and although he doesn't make deep analysis, he lives through the books and movies as the protagonist, "I think it would be great to have written one of those songs." This shows how Charlie may have been thinking about the books and movies, but doesn't go into depth about it.
Archetypes:
Reluctant Hero/Wide-Eyed Innocent Hero:
Growing up, Charlie doesn't have a choice on what happens around him, but he does have a choice to do something about it. As a reluctant hero, Charlie isn't given an opportunity to grow up, but it is forced upon him, resulting in confusion and a realization about how the world functions. Charlie is exposed to new experiences that may seem nebulous at first, such as a social life, drugs, sex, family, and adjusting to all of these topics that were never imposed on him.
Mother Figure:
Although they may be friends, Patrick shows Charlie that problems do occur in the world, and that they are normal, but they can be solved with patience and right choices. For example, when Charlie makes the decision of choosing to kiss Sam, his friend, versus Mary Elizabeth, the girl he is dating, Charlie creates a lot of tension and unsettling feelings in everyone, and Patrick was there to guide him through these issues, "When he dropped me off, Patrick told me the best thing to do was keep away for a while. I guess I already told you that. He said that when he knew more, he'd give me a call. 'Thanks, Patrick.' 'Don't mention it.'"
Archetypes:
Reluctant Hero/Wide-Eyed Innocent Hero:
Growing up, Charlie doesn't have a choice on what happens around him, but he does have a choice to do something about it. As a reluctant hero, Charlie isn't given an opportunity to grow up, but it is forced upon him, resulting in confusion and a realization about how the world functions. Charlie is exposed to new experiences that may seem nebulous at first, such as a social life, drugs, sex, family, and adjusting to all of these topics that were never imposed on him.
Mother Figure:
Although they may be friends, Patrick shows Charlie that problems do occur in the world, and that they are normal, but they can be solved with patience and right choices. For example, when Charlie makes the decision of choosing to kiss Sam, his friend, versus Mary Elizabeth, the girl he is dating, Charlie creates a lot of tension and unsettling feelings in everyone, and Patrick was there to guide him through these issues, "When he dropped me off, Patrick told me the best thing to do was keep away for a while. I guess I already told you that. He said that when he knew more, he'd give me a call. 'Thanks, Patrick.' 'Don't mention it.'"
