Group Composition and Conflict in “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” Essay

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In the movie The Perks of Being a Wallflower, the main characters are a small group united by a shared sense of life. The film protagonist, Charlie, is described as a wallflower, being shy, quiet, and unnoticeable by others. Because of his character and behavior dictated by PTSD and other psychological difficulties, he is squeezed out of public life and not accepted by society. Sam and Patrick seem to be popular and much more adapted, which is part of the group dynamic because they befriend Charlie and act as mentors to help him reveal his emotions and feelings. Although, it soon becomes clear that Sam and Patrick also feel misunderstood and unaccepted due to their traumatic experiences and problems not recognized in society (invisibility of homosexuality, ignoring sexual trauma).

The characters are connected with personal feelings and common group norms, mainly constructed as a protest against social norms. Friends see themselves as “psychos,” “nobody” (as unseen), laughing out being “below average.” The group dynamic concentrates on emotional healing and growing close, trusting relationships. Sam and Patrick get expert roles, and Charlie is mostly following and experiencing many things for the first time. Moreover, Sam and Charlie teach each other about gratitude and validation in the relationship and deserving love and acceptance.

Even though all group members are friends and remain friends, several romantic situations occur that lead to role conflicts. For example, when Patrick is in a fight with the guy he dated, he starts kissing Charlie repeatedly. This way, he breaks the role of friend and does something unwanted and unpleasant to his non-homosexual friend. However, Charlie stays in his role and fully understands Patrick’s emotional state. The deep sense of connection and full acceptance between friends allows them to not react aggressively or hostilely to the manifestations of their friends outside the accepted role in the group.

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IvyPanda. 2023. "Group Composition and Conflict in “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”." March 21, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/group-composition-and-conflict-in-the-perks-of-being-a-wallflower/.

1. IvyPanda. "Group Composition and Conflict in “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”." March 21, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/group-composition-and-conflict-in-the-perks-of-being-a-wallflower/.


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IvyPanda. "Group Composition and Conflict in “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”." March 21, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/group-composition-and-conflict-in-the-perks-of-being-a-wallflower/.

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