Charlie's Mother

     If it were somebody else, I think his mother's thoughts about him moving up a grade would have hurt, but because it was Charlie, it was just her thoughts.  It was as significant to him as washing the dishes was.  Charlie's mother only wants the best for him and she recognizes that he is good at English.  Her own ambitions for her son push her to push him, however Charlie does not see the need because his teacher, whom he trusts, told him it would make no difference.  Charlie just listened to what his mother had to say and moved on.  I think this is a special relationship made so by Charlie's personality.  If Charlie were not so detached, then I think his mother would have learned to be more...nice about never accepting her son's accomplishments.  To me, they have a loving relationship strengthened by their personalities (if that does not make any sense, I'll try again another time).

"Asleep"

Compose a brief response in which you analyze the song lyric and based on what you know about Charlie at this point, argue why this song would have such relevance to his life.  
"Asleep" describes the feelings of someone who is tired of living.  Asleep in this case means death.  The person wants somebody to be with him, to care.  He writes:
"I don't want to wake up
On my own anymore,"
relating Charlie's own need for a friend.
From what I know about Charlie, he seems to be depressed.  His only friend committed suicide and he doesn't have a real connection with anybody.  I think Charlie identified with the song "Asleep" by The Smiths because it is about suicide and being alone.  He does not feel that he has someone he can trust and wants to just go away to something better.

Response to Charlie's First Letter

Dear Charlie,

Thank you for writing me.  I'm glad I am there for you to write to and open up, but how do you know me?  Why don't you want me to know who you are?  I just want to know about why I was chosen.  I don't understand why you prefer to divulge your thoughts and feelings to me.  I want to help but I don’t know how.

I'm sorry about Michael's death.  I can't imagine your pain, and yes, other people have it worse but that doesn't make his death less significant.  It hurts.  I'm sorry no one else understands it and that they just disregard your problems.  There is nothing worse than not knowing why after someone commits suicide.  I can’t imagine your pain. 

Do you have a good relationship with your family?   I ask is because maybe you can talk to them too.  Tell me more about your family.  I don't want to overstep but I want you to tell me more about your dad.  Does he get mad at you a lot and hit you?  If he does, tell somebody.  I know he says other people have it worse than you, but you shouldn't have to deal with it.  A dad is supposed to protect you, not harm you.  You shouldn't have to be afraid of him.  To you, this may be okay but I promise you it's not.  What about your mom and sister and brother?   Do they know?  Can they help, or is everyone under his control?  I apologize for asking but I want to help you.

         Charlie I want you to know I am here for you to talk to.  I don't know if my advice is right, but I do want to be someone you can write to and trust.

Here for you always,

Rachel