TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE RESULTING FROM SEXUAL ABUSE IN STEPHEN CHBOSKY’ THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER

Abstract

This thesis analyzes traumatic experience in Stephen Chbosky’s novel entitled The Perks of Being a Wallflower. The novel describes about the life of Charlie as a young boy who suffers from traumatic experience. The purposes of this thesis are to explain Charlie’s personality and traumatic experiences resulting from sexual abuse. The methods that are used in this thesis are library research and psychological approach. The writer uses the novel as the main data and several books, journals, and online documents as the supporting data. In analyzing intrinsic elements, the writer uses theme, characters, setting, and conflicts. Moreover, in analyzing extrinsic aspects, the writer uses Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from American Psychiatric Association (APA). Based on APA, there are five symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; exposure to stressor, re-experiencing of traumatic event, avoidance, arousal, and duration. The result proves that Charlie suffers from PTSD. Charlie’ personality is also affected by the symptoms of PTSD.