Charlie’s Past

            Charlie’s life story is uncovered more and more throughout Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. The book tells us the story of his friend who died or how his aunt died and that these things have shaped him to who he is now. There are still many things that are not yet reviled, but using evidence, you can piece together Charlie’s past. I think Charlie depression and lack of self-esteem started after his aunt died.

            Charlie always refers to his aunt’s death and how it makes him cry. This already is a sign of depression, and it is brought up in the book over and over again. There was one part in the book when Charlie has a flashback of his aunt’s death. There was a car accident and the police came to tell him the horrifying news. Charlie’s brother and sister cried, but Charlie believed it was a mistake; he didn’t want to believe his favorite aunt died. That is until the body was identified as the aunt. Charlie was taken to the doctor for questions, but it never says his siblings had to do the same. Either he felt guilty, or he tried to do something unspeakable. I think he blamed himself, because later on, he states that his aunt gave him two presents for his birthday and for Christmas, since his birthday and Christmas are very near each other. His aunt forgot to buy him a second present, and decided to go and buy one right away. That is when she had the crash. Charlie blamed his birthday and himself and his guilt led him to depression.

            Charlie’s best friend, whose name is not given, committed suicide near the end of eighth grade. Charlie became even more depressed. He was asked questions about his friend, which lead to even more sadness. Even though he did not blame himself, he lost his best friend. That really molded him. There is also a part where Charlie states that his brain started hopscotching” he thought of names, good times, bad times, and then came to his aunt’s death. Then he apparently fell asleep in the snow. He says it was pretty normal for him, which means it happens often. This is bad because he can’t stay happy if he always thinks of the worst in his life. It seems like he gave up on life and himself.

            Charlie has gone through bad times in his life, which probably led him to sadness and depression. He has found new friends: Sam and Patrick, who have taken him under their wings.          I think they are going to help resolve Charlie fragile character into a strong, confident young man.