Explore the influence friendship and family has on the development of an individual making detailed reference to at least one text you have studied.
Friends and family both have a huge influence on the development of an individual. They influence the way you think, the values they have and the way you see yourself through the eyes of the world. They teach you and help you grow.
The text that I will be making particular reference to is the movie The Perks of being a Wallflower. The protagonist in this story, Charlie, grows and develops dramatically throughout the movie due to the influence of the new friends he makes. They help him gain confidence and to accept himself and also to have the courage to participate in life.
Charlie is quite a unique character; he’s shy and awkward, watching life from the sidelines too scared to participate in the world around him. Reluctant to put himself in the spotlight or even raise his hand to answer questions in class. As far as individuals go, Charlie has a lot of developing to do in this movie. He begins his freshman year alienated and alone due to the suicide of his best friend Michael in the previous autumn.
However, his quiet withdrawn life is turned upside down by the influence of the new friends he makes during his freshman year, starting with his English teacher Mr Anderson who is the one and only friend he makes on his first day of school, which he see’s to be quite a depressing thought stated in the dialogue,
Mr. Anderson: You know, I heard you had a tough time last year. But they say if you make one friend on your first day you're doing okay.
Charlie: Thank you, sir, but if my English teacher is the only friend I make today, that would be sorta depressing.
Mr Anderson has a big influence on Charlie. He acts as the classic inspirational mentor figure who shows sympathy and encourages Charlie to pursue the path towards becoming a writer just as his Aunt Helen did (another very influential