Perks Of Being A Wallflower Essay

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The experiences and challenges of an outsider are unique and often relevant to the distinctive context an outsider is in. The novel, Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky and the film, “The Piano,” by Jane Campion, both explore unique experiences such as moving countries and challenges such as relationships, struggling to grow up, and societal barriers. Charlie in Perks is portrayed as a social outsider in his school setting. Due to his psychological trauma, he is isolated from his peers and his family. Ada in “The Piano” is portrayed as a social and cultural outsider. She is an outsider in her environment and her muteness is what makes her distinctive from the rest of society. Both texts represent the unique perspective of an outsider…show more content…
By not growing up, Charlie's status as an outsider is reinforced. Charlie is given the novel “Peter Pan,” the use of inter-textuality reinforces the repercussions of not growing up. Through the use of intertextuality, Charlie is encouraged to act instead of being passive. After reading the Fountainhead, Charlie states “It was a different book from the others because it wasn't about being a kid,” demonstrating Charlie's main struggle with refusing to grow up and start to participate. The books Bill gives Charlie act as guidebooks to adulthood, coaxing Charlie to participate more in life. “The Catcher in the Rye” questions the adult world through a 15-year olds eyes, and mirrors Charlie's life. “The Piano” reflects on the experiences of a cultural and social outsider in a patriarchal society. The protagonist, Ada, has a spiritual connection to her piano, and she uses this to communicate. Similar to Charlie in Perks, Ada is an outsider in her environment and acknowledges her outsider status, although it makes her uncomfortable in her new setting. She is unable to properly express herself in her new setting, evident from her choice of costuming. She wears black, restrictive clothing. Her thoughts are communicated by internal dialogue rather than words, further enhancing the uniqueness of her
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