Charlie is exposed to liquor, cigarettes, drugs, almost causally throughout the story. In the beginning of high school, Charlie hangs out with seniors. Charlie never seems scared of trying drugs or alcohol, "The party was in the basement of this house. The room was quite smokey, and the kids were much older. There were two girls showing each other their tattoos and belly button rings. Seniors, I think" (34). I feel like that represents a characteristic of Charlie- that he goes with the flow. In his letters, Charlie addresses shadier parts of teenage culture with a calm mien.
Charlie is easily influenced throughout the story. Charlie does not refuse drugs and alcohol because he is afraid, but because he simply considers it unpleasant. "…especially after I said no to having a beer. I once had a beer with my brother when I was twelve, and just didn't like it. it's really that simple for me." (34) But then, Charlie will take advantage of the resources. I do not believe he is one to refrain when it comes to what all of his friends are doing. After he met Sam and Patrick, he changed, "'Charlie, smoking. I can't believe it.'" (119) His sister was surprised as Charlie's behavior shifted.
Peer pressure is an interesting concept. Many kids are influenced by their friends to take part in illicit acts. In The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Charlie is never pressured, but changed. He is opened up to new experiences, in a sense. I wonder if this is the way most things fall pat.
