In the Perks of Being a Wallflower, there are many important symbols. Some of the most important symbols are the drives that Charlie takes. There are a few important scenes where he drives, two while he is with Sam and Patrick, and one where he is alone with his family. Charlie's drives symbolize the journey he has taken growing up, and how he will end up in the right place.
Charlie drives three times throughout the book-twice with Sam, the girl he loves and Patrick, his best guy friend, and once by himself, on his way back from his grandparents house. The first time, he's with his friends, although their friendship is very new. He's pretty unsure of himself and quiet, but he feels like he can open up to them, and he feels happier than he has felt in a long time. It quotes "five minutes of a lifetime were truly spent, and we felt young in a good way." Charlie is learning how to live for the first time, and it's because of the people he is with. The second time, Charlie is driving for his family. They are all in a car together and there is a lot of tension because of a fight they had. Charlie is not the best driver, and he is extremely nervous. It quotes "I haven't sweat that much since I played sports." Charlie is at a very difficult time in his life, and it is not helping that his family isn't able to support him the way he needs. The last time is at the very end of the book, when Charlie has finally started to recover from the traumatic experience he had as a child. He is with Sam and Patrick again, and he is finally happy again. It quotes "I was laughing and crying at the same time...and that was enough to make me feel infinite." He is also driving through a tunnel at this part, which symbolizes "the light at the end of the tunnel."
The drives that Charlie takes symbolize his emotional journey throughout the book. He starts unsure of himself, but gradually starts to accept his feelings and become a happier person.
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