"Asleep"

The song "Asleep" by the Smiths means to me that death or disappearance is something to be optimistic about not dreadful. We often worry about how we are going to die or when but this song reminds me of the peaceful trip it is like up to heaven (or wherever our bodies go.) For Charlie, however, this song is relevant because Charlie is in fact a "wallflower" that wants to be left alone. He wants peace and quiet in his life and for the people around him. He wishes that everyone was happy and would get along but through his letters we see that Charlie is not happy with what the world and relationships do to people. He is tired of the corrupt organizations, the cruel people, and the negative influences around him. I think he likes this song so much because it relaxes him and his state of mind. It takes him to a place, an imaginary place, that is peaceful and a utopia of togetherness. For Charlie, he remains optimistic that a world described in this song does exist. He knows it is possible but in my mind as a reader, I know that it isn't. I mean the world will never be perfect but it can be a lot better than the world Charlie and I live in.

Charlie and his mom

I feel Charlie's mother, in Charlie's case, is neglectful and unsupportive. As Charlie was talking about his success in English class, I felt like her reply about moving up a grade or two, was a way to end the undesirable conversation. She did not seem interested in Charlie's success and so she decided to say something that would make him shut up and think for a while, so she could be alone. Charlie didn't expect her to reply with that and that is why it was so dramatic. She didn't contribute much to the conversation because she didn't see the need to. She wanted to say just enough to act like she cared and had helpful ideas. I feel this dialogue is dramatic to the audience, especially high school students who read this book because we are all accustomed to our types of parents and their parenting styles, that we find flaws with other types of styles. It is hard for us to imagine why a mom would say something like that to her son, especially when it is something to be proud of. Many of us can sympathize with Charlie because we know what it is like with certain, distinct parents. I know that my perception of his mother will definitely change as she has really only been in one scene, again, that was just my first impression. I would like to think that Charlie has one stable person to lean on, but then again he wouldn't feel the need to write to me.

Perks: Chapter 1 Response

Dear Charlie,

I just want you to know that I exist, and you are being heard. I am sorry to hear that there have been a great deal of tragic events around your life. It is never easy to face death or to even be a teenager. I too, have seen a few fellow high school students pass away. Its hard to wrap your head around all of it, it almost doesn't seem real. As a teenager myself, like you, I don't really know who are what I am. I like to think that I know what I am doing, but I never actually do. Does anyone?
I wish I could tell you what to do or how to live, but I don't think I am qualified. I don't think anyone will be able to help you but yourself. It is something that will probably just come with time and experience. At least I hope so; I am still trying to find that out myself. I am always willing to listen to your stories, just don't feel like you have to keep all your emotions hidden. Don't worry about your family either, I think the one thing I do know, is that we all have messed up families! There is always that one miserable person that can't be helped and that other person trying to fight to keep the family together. And since you are entering high school soon, I am just warning you that you will be more independent. It's nice not having someone (mom) breathing down your back, but I also sometimes miss talking to my parents. I still can, but it just isn't the same. But, I am here and will listen to you. You seem like a thoughtful person and I just wanted to let you know that I admire your empathetic feelings. I think it is good that you recognize that other people have it a lot worse. This will help me whenever I am down, because my problems aren't nearly as bad as some peoples!
I notice in my life, that I sometimes lack a sense of empathy with certain people, so I am excited to learn and be inspired from you. In the end, I hope that we will be able to help each other out. However, I am not going to be the person that gives you advice on how to handle something, I just want to try to understand where and what you are coming from, so I can understand. As for your interpretations of me, think whatever you want, it doesn't even matter if you read this, as long as you see that I have listened and written you back.


From,
Jessica