Questions raised in the film and how they relate to the youth of today

The main character, Charlie, is a socially awkward teenager who has trouble making friends. He isn't confident a and has low self esteem.

Question: Why don't I fit in? Where do I belong? Why am I different?

Patrick in the final scenes is attacked in the school cafeteria because he is gay. He wasn't accepted for who he is and people thought he should be a ashamed of himself which he shouldn't be.

Question: Why do people not accept me? Why don't they understand?

In the film it's revealed that as a child, Charlie was abused by his aunt and that he has been deeply traumatised by the experience.

Question: Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do people do bad things?

In a small subplot to the movie, we are told that Charlie's best friend committed suicide. It isn't revealed why he did it but it draws attention to the serious topic of mental health and depression. This is quite a heavy and sensitive subject that young people don't like to talk about but it is a problem many teens are facing each face.

Question: Why am I not happy? How can I be happier?