Importance of Aunt Helen's Death/Effects on Charlie

Discuss why Aunt Helen's death is so significant to Charlie. How would it affect his optimistic outlook on his life?

Charlie blames himself for Aunt Helen's death, even though it evidently isn't his fault. Whenever he thinks about this dire event it dramatically worsens his depression, stealing any optimistic thoughts he starts to develop.

Throughout the novel he constantly is battling with himself over this situation, and it becomes extremely difficult for him to stay positive. It was Charlie's birthday, and Aunt Helen was leaving for reasons unknown to Charlie. She told him she wanted the reason to be a secret between them. The words that continuously echo in Charlie's mind were "I'm going to buy your birthday present" (102). Aunt Helen leaves on a snowy evening to buy Charlie a gift, only to be involved in a fatal car accident moments later. A police officer told Charlie the news, but he was in denial and refused to accept the fact that Aunt Helen was no longer alive.

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In addition to many other factors that deeply affect Charlie, the death of Aunt Helen has severely impacted his life in several ways. He has to constantly seek help from psychiatrists (who do a poor job) and write more frequently to the unknown friend in hopes of escaping a deep pit he dug for himself. He writes to his friend "She would be alive if I were born on a day that didn't snow. I would do anything to make this go away. I miss her terribly. I have to stop writing now because I am too sad" (103). Charlie is not just thinking about being born on a day that didn't snow, he's thinking about not being born altogether.

All in all, Charlie has been deeply affected by the loss of Aunt Helen. He even felt guilty for something he didn't know would happen. It wasn't right for him to think that way, and he's very lucky to have very supportive family members and friends.


***After reading this book, I understand the effects of depression and stress on one's life. It has touched me in many ways, and it's funny to think I didn't want to read this book in the first place. The way the author wrote it makes it seem like YOU are Charlie's friend, which makes it easier to understand what he is going through. I would recommend reading this book because it will teach you the importance of self worth and optimism if you should ever face the same issues as Charlie. 

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