These prompts can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before or after reading the novel.

Pre-Reading “Icebreaker”

Think of the best gift that you’ve ever given. Who was it for? Why was it the best? How did they respond? Now think of the worst gift you’ve ever received. Who was it from? Why was it so bad? How did it affect your emotions? Did you feel let down? Based on these situations, how might gifts affect our relationships? How are they ways of showing affection?

Teaching Suggestion: Use this prompt to encourage students to think about the role of gifts as expressions of love. Charlie gives and receives many gifts throughout The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and they often illustrate how he feels about those around him. This prompt provides an opening to encourage students to recognize this motif as they read the novel.

Post-Reading Analysis

Throughout the novel, Charlie feels both happy and sad simultaneously on several occasions, which confuses him. Think about one of these times. How does he learn to process these emotions? How has writing letters helped him?

Teaching Suggestion: Guide students to make connections between Charlie’s confusion and growth throughout the novel. Much of his coming-of-age experience involves wrestling with feeling happy and sad simultaneously, as well as with the moral ambiguity of his Aunt Helen’s abusive behaviors.