‘The Perks
of being a Wallflower’ by Stephen Chbosky.
A Review by Harpreet Scott.
F. Scott Fitzgerald once referred to the beauty of
literature as being that moment when ‘you discover that your longings are
universal longings, that you’re not lonely and isolated from anyone. You
belong.’[1] For
this reason Stephen Chbosky’s epistolary novel ‘The Perks of being a Wallflower’[2] has earned
worldwide admiration recently topping the New York Times bestselling children’s
paperback list as of August 2012. Despite its popularity with a predominately
teenage audience, Chbosky’s novel can be appreciated by any age as its
adolescent foundation is one that many can relate to. It centers on the life of
Charlie, an introverted, sensitive and at times perplexing character who
struggles to ‘participate’[3] in life. Whilst the
novel could easily be disregarded as a typical Bildungsroman, it is Chbosky’s
astute ability at rendering a believable and accurate voice of a teenager on
the threshold of adulthood; that makes ‘Perks’[4] an
unmissable read. Furthermore, Chbosky successfully depicts a world full of imperfections — heartbreak, addiction and isolation—making
it the perfect representation of teenage life and one where the reader can
relate to and thus ‘belong’[5].
The novel comprises of a series of letters written
by Charlie to an unnamed ‘friend’[6], with the anonymity
of this friend chosen as a device by Chbosky as a way to connect the reader to
Charlie. As Charlie’s passion for literature intensifies it seems appropriate
that he is the one to tell his story through his own words. Chbosky provides a
platform for Charlie to determine just how much he divulges to the reader, with
his secret revealing itself by the end of the novel. If the novel had been
written in a third person narrative, the relationship between Charlie and the
reader would have weakened. This relationship is imperative as it allows the
reader to understand the often misunderstood character, preventing them from
prejudging his behavior before they are made aware of his past. The novel is
laden with references to some of the great writers in literature such as Harper
Lee, E.E Cummings and William Shakespeare with aptly chosen quotes used by
Charlie to help express his feelings when he struggles to articulate them in
words. It seems ironic that Charlie quotes from great writers and is then told
by his English teacher that he too ‘would make a great writer one day’[7]. Despite the novel sometimes lacking complete
originality, Chbosky more than makes up for this absence in his unforgettable
and brilliantly composed quotes that unify the emotions of both Charlie and the
reader. One such example is the line ‘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.’[8]
This line sets the tone of the novel and correlates to the emotions felt by the
readers as ‘Perks’[9]
is a joyous yet often heart wrenching read.
Although Chbosky somewhat conforms to the
conventional narrative situation whereby the social outcast is befriended by
the eccentric kids and then becomes popular, he ensures that Charlie retains
his awkwardness and naive honesty throughout. If Chbosky had changed his
character to the extent where he was a shadow of his former self then it would
make Charlie less believable as a character and would go against Chbosky’s
moral message—to remain true to yourself. This message is embodied by the two
supporting characters of Patrick and Sam, who like Charlie go on their own
journeys after struggling to fit in within the social cliques of their high
school.
Charlie is seen to idolize Patrick who ostensibly
appears to be a happy-go-lucky character ‘Patrick usually isn't unhappy’[10]
yet it is revealed that he suffers both mental and physical abuse as a result
of his homosexuality. Whilst a 21st century reader may not be
unnerved by the topic of homosexuality, it was still viewed as a taboo subject
in the 1990s, the decade which the novel was set and written in. As a result,
Patrick is beaten up by a group of boys who go to his school and is saved only
by Charlie intervening. Chbosky’s decision to include such an eccentric yet
fragile character is to enlighten the reader that despite someone appearing to
be confident, underneath this facade they too are vulnerable; again reinforcing
the idea that the reader is ‘not lonely’[11]
in experiencing the same feelings as the characters in the novel. Patrick is not the only character to fall victim to violence, as Charlie
reveals that he saw his sister’s boyfriend hit her. Violence is presented to be
an extension of the internal conflicts felt by the characters and whilst
Chobsky does not condone such behaviour he ensures that the reader is informed
as to why it is happening. The inclusion of violence within the novel enhances
its realistic qualities and shows the trials and tribulations many people suffer
during their adolescence and beyond; making it a story that is relatable to a
reader of any age.
Like
Patrick, Sam is seen to hide beneath a mask of self-assurance that disguises
her insecurities ‘If somebody likes me, I want them to like the real me, not
what they think I am.’[12] As
Charlie’s letters progress the same movement is seen in Sam’s character,
transforming her from one who is seen to be idealised by all; to one who
exposes her own vulnerability— a secret which binds her and Charlie closer
together. The inclusion of her character is significant, not only does she
become Charlie’s love interest but also his confidant much like the reader,
thus Sam’s insecurities are representative of the reader’s. Again, by forming a
relationship between character and reader Chbosky makes the novel become a
personal journey for both parties. ‘The
Perks of being a Wallflower’[13]
is a novel which resonates with the reader long after they reach the final
page. It is Chbosky’s superb ability at articulating a particular time or
emotion, which differentiates this novel from others of its kind ‘Maybe it’s sad that these are now
memories. And maybe it’s not sad.’[14]
Whilst the informal language and easy to read narrative may make some critics
question the intelligence of the novel, it is for this reason that Charlie’s
letters are seen to be genuine as the way in which he communicates must be
fitting to that of a fifteen year old.
The defining feature that makes Chbosky’s novel
stand out from others of its kind is that Charlie’s story focuses on a phase of
life every person in the world can relate to and understand—adolescence.
Chbosky renders an accurate world where violence, addiction and confusion take
place and does not steer away from controversial topics which affect society
and for that he should be applauded. The twist at the end of the novel is
completely unexpected and makes Charlie’s character all the more engaging and
endearing. Unlike other teenage novels, ‘The
Perks of being a Wallflower’[15]
is one which impacts the reader, if only for that moment upon completion where
they review their own lives and behavior and vow to live life to the fullest. The novel encompasses a wide range of topics such as sex, addiction and
bullying all subjects which readers will be familiar with. Despite it’s
somewhat feminine sounding name, ‘Perks’[16]
is a novel which can be appreciated by both sexes as the themes covered are
ones which affect both genders as ‘they are universal’[17].
Charlie goes
from merely surviving and remaining on the edge of society, to actually living as
‘Standing on the fringes of life offers a
unique experience, but there's a time to see what it looks like from the dance
floor.’[18]
This ‘dance floor’ is a metaphor for life and throughout Chbosky’s novel the
reader is implored to take to the stage and participate, with this carpe diem
message implicitly referred to within Charlie’s letters ‘Even if we don’t have
the power to choose where we come from , we can still choose where we go from
there.’
Unlike other novels of its kind, such as Ned Vizzini’s ‘Its Kind of a Funny Story’ [19]and
‘Looking for Alaska’[20]
by John Green, ‘Perks’[21]
is a story that compels its reader to live life to the full and does not
encourage self pity but gratitude for life unlike the aforementioned texts.
Both ‘Perks’[22]
and ‘Looking for Alaska’[23]
centre on a male protagonist, but female readers are more likely to feel
excluded from Green’s novel due to the scenarios that only boys can relate too.
Equally, Vizzini’s novel would not be appreciated fully by a male reader making
‘Perks’ the ideal read as its
popularity and themes are gender neutral.
‘Perks[24]’
is a captivating and touching story with a serious subject matter which exists
in contemporary society and is an outstanding example of the effect that
stylistic simplicity can have on a reader. F. Scott Fitzgerald once referred to the beauty
of literature as being that moment when ‘you discover that…You belong’[25]
and after reading Chbosky’s ‘The Perks of
being a Wallflower’[26]
I defy any reader to feel anything other than just that.
- Chbosky,
Stephen, The Perks of being a Wallflower
(United Kingdom: Simon and Schuster,
1999), pp. 1-224.
- F. Scott Fitzgerald cited in Sarah Domet,
90 Days to your novel: A day-by-day Plan
for outlining & writing your book (United States of America: Writer's
Digest Books, 2010), p. 247.
- Green, John, Looking for Alaska (United States of
America: Dutton Books, 2005), pp. 1-256.
- Vizzini,
Ned Its Kind of a Funny story (United
States of America: Miramax Books, 2007), pp. 1-448.
[1]
F. Scott Fitzgerald cited in Sarah Domet, 90 Days to your novel: A day-by-day Plan for outlining & writing
your book (United States of America: Writer's Digest Books, 2010), p. 247.
[2]
Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of being a Wallflower (United
Kingdom: Simon and Schuster, 1999), p. 1.
[3]
Ibid., p. 28
[4]
Ibid., p. 1
[5]
F. Scott Fitzgerald cited in Sarah Domet, 90 Days to your novel: A day-by-day Plan for outlining & writing
your book (United States of America: Writer's Digest Books, 2010), p. 247.
[6]
Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of being a Wallflower (United
Kingdom: Simon and Schuster, 1999), p. 2.
[7]
Ibid., p. 67.
[8]
Ibid., p. 2.
[9]
Ibid., p. 1.
[10]
Ibid., p. 155.
[11]
F. Scott Fitzgerald cited in Sarah Domet, 90 Days to your novel: A day-by-day Plan for outlining & writing
your book (United States of America: Writer's Digest Books, 2010), p. 247.
[12]
Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of being a Wallflower (United
Kingdom: Simon and Schuster, 1999), p. 201.
[13]
Ibid., p. 1.
[14]
Ibid., p. 16.
[15]
Ibid., p. 1.
[16]
Ibid., p. 1.
[17]
F. Scott Fitzgerald cited in Sarah Domet, 90 Days to your novel: A day-by-day Plan for outlining & writing
your book (United States of America: Writer's Digest Books, 2010), p. 247.
[18]
Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of being a Wallflower (United
Kingdom: Simon and Schuster, 1999), p. 200.
[19] Ned Vizzini, Its
Kind of a Funny story (United States of America: Miramax Books, 2007), p.
1.
[20] John Green, Looking for Alaska (United States of America: Dutton Books, 2005),
p. 1.
[21] Stephen
Chbosky, The Perks of being a Wallflower
(United Kingdom: Simon and Schuster, 1999), p. 1.
[22] Ibid., p. 1.
[23] John Green, Looking for Alaska (United States of America: Dutton Books, 2005),
p. 1.
[24] Stephen
Chbosky, The Perks of being a Wallflower
(United Kingdom: Simon and Schuster, 1999), p. 1.
[25] F. Scott Fitzgerald cited in Sarah Domet, 90 Days to your novel: A day-by-day Plan for
outlining & writing your book (United States of America: Writer's
Digest Books, 2010), p. 247.
[26] Stephen
Chbosky, The Perks of being a Wallflower
(United Kingdom: Simon and Schuster, 1999), p. 1.
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