Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, Essay Example

Every written material has a definite worth for readers especially for those who can relate to the topic of the said material. As for the writing of Stephen Chbosky entitled Perks of Being a Wallflower, it has been realized through a series of criticisms that the writing is indeed a direct mirror of the actual life that teenagers pass through. Noticeably, the readers of the book saw in themselves the connection that they have on the characters used by the author himself. When interviewed, the author mentioned how most of the characters represented those individuals he once knew in his life. Most likely, there were instances when these characters provide a definite path of distinction on how life of teenagers goes from one term of stagnancy towards a whirlwind of events.

Practically, readers had the chance to see themselves through the characters especially because of the fact that the situations that the characters had to deal with were real enough in determining what is meant by teenage living. Nevertheless, the desire of the author to touch the thinking of the readers in the most realistic way has lead towards establishing rather distinct criticisms that questioned the values that are suggested through the reading. Upon receiving such criticisms, it is obvious how the society wanted to mandate the distribution of a reading material that distinctively provides moral definitions on how the youth should face the challenges they have to deal with as teenagers; however, with this reading, the other option occurs, whereas teenagers are seen to gain a better sense of simply accepting what they are going to pass through especially for the sake of realizing what teenage life is all about.

Tackling the topics of love, relationships, drug addiction, homosexuality and illicit connection with peers, it was feared that this reading would make a definite mark on the thinking of the readers; especially the young ones as they enter the doors towards adolescence. Necessity of one’s being and understanding one’s reputation as a youth becomes a little bit blurry for some readers, however, for the author, this is already as real as it gets. And when it comes to reality, there is no use in hiding matters to simply fit in to what the society want to imply. Painstaking as the presentations may be, the three main characters of the novel do provide a vast array of definitions in relation to particular individuals who are aiming to become more accustomed to the being that they are trying to portray [to which the readers can easily relate to]. Criticisms regarding the negativity of the message of the book are then viewed by the author as mere reminders on how hypocritical ideas still flood the society. To this matter, the story could be noted to have presented notable quotes saying: “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”; this quote further points out how confusion among teenagers cause them to find themselves over and out with regards particular decisions they have to make.  Often feeling lost on what they want to happen in their lives.

To the author, being real in his narratives helps him become more effective in sending out useful messages to his readers; particularly the youth, to be more careful about their decisions, to increase their self-confidence and self-competence especially in dealing with the different challenges in life. Noticeably, it could be understood that it is because of this matter that the emergence of realism is able to create a new course of living among those whom are affected by the narrative representations. What makes this reading more effective even is the fact that it did not aim to hide anything. It was the desire of the author to make sure that the teenagers who would take on the chance to read through its pages would understand every emotion and every scenario to which the whole reading is dependent upon. What makes all these conditional representations effective is the fact that young individuals who are able to relate to the situations are moved to examine themselves, while accepting that everything else is part of growing up.

In reference to the primary characters that were present in the narrative, it could be observed how the author himself implied on the need of each individual to recoil from being lost towards coming back to their own feet and embracing the real life once again. Noticeably, it is from embracing these lessons that the author was able to mandate a sense of distinction on how the emergence of personal development could come from each individual as based from a personal base of decision-making.

Teens would gain much from this story as they begin their journey towards finding themselves and making themselves capable of facing the challenges of the real life. Most often than not, it is the theme that this film presents that makes it a fitting presentation on how teens could cope with the pressures of teenage living and the years that are to come after it.

Works Cited

Anguiano, Rosemary (September 25, 2012). “Stephen Chbosky Interview: Author Sees His Characters Come To Life In ‘Perks Of Being A Wallflower’ Movie“. The Huffington Post.