Theme!

Friendship is very big part of everyone’s life. Everyone has someone to “lean on.” In “Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky, friendship is a huge part of this book. Charlie, the main character sees a lot going around him. Throughout the book, his moods change so much that he doesn't even know how he feels anymore. When you think of friendship, the first thing you think of is best friends, couples dating, and a happy ever after. But, friendships aren't always positive relationships.  

                Charlie has a rough relationship with his family members.  In their teenage years, everybody at least once gets into an argument with their parents. One example from the book is on page 25. Charlie’s sister says “I hate you!’ to her dad. She got caught with her boyfriend and Charlie just stood there thinking the whole thing was his fault. Relationships with parents are very complicated; once you’re best friends, the next time you argue and don’t talk for a while. Relationships among siblings can be difficult, too. An example is on page 54. It states “my brother and sister would fight about things that my sister and brother would fight about, and I would sit at the bottom of the shopping cart.” I know that most siblings fight. Often one sees it in the movies or TV shows. However, it is considered bad behavior to fight with anybody.

                Some teenagers seem to fall under peer pressure. If they see someone else doing something, they do it.  One example from the book is smoking cigarettes.  There are a lot of hanging out and party scenes. Young people, who smoke, are popular among their peers. They start it to become to be accepted.  “… I had seen in lunch, when I ate my orange, while they smoked their cigarettes.” This shows that Charlie is not part of the popular group. He doesn't seem to care that much either. One sees a lot of things going around one and has to know what to avoid. 

                As a teenager, you need your friends to help you through these difficult years. Charlie is just like us, he needs his friends too. He also needs his parents to support him along the way.  These few years are the breaking point between being a kid, and starting to act responsibly like an adult.  In this book, friendship is a big theme.