Catcher In The Rye And Perks Of Being A Wallflower Essay

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“That's the whole trouble. When you're feeling very depressed, you can't even think.” (Salinger) In both the novels, Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger and The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, the main characters Holden Caulfield and Charlie are depressed and troubled teens. Although both teenagers grow up in different time periods they share many similar teenage difficulties. Both novels portray a male protagonist growing up while trying to find his identity, yet constantly loathing their lives. Both Holden and Charlie are full of self-loathing and depression, both experiencing the traumatic loss of a family member at a very young age. "I know he's dead! Don't you think I know that? I can still like him, though, can't I? Just because somebody's dead, you don't just stop liking them, for God's sake – especially if they were about a thousand times nicer than the people you know that're alive and all.” (Salinger 222-223) In this quote Holden talks with his sister about the loss of his brother, Allie. Holden can't seem to move on ever since his brother's death. He needs to learn how to live his life in the present and not dwell on the past. Every day Holden relates everything he does and everything that happens back to Allie’s death. “Hey, Candace. I killed Aunt Helen, didn't I? She died getting my birthday present, so I guess I killed her right? …show more content…

They are both about a teenager trying to find out who they are in the world and trying to let go of the past. Though they have very different outcomes they share the same theme, which is ‘coming of age’. We see Holden and Charlie grow up and mature, they learn things from experiences and the people around them and learn to move on. “So, if this does end up being my last letter, please believe that things are good with me, and even when they’re not, they will be soon enough. And I believe the same about you.” (Chbosky

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