Guilt - AlainaM

I think guilt is playing a huge role in this book, as many feel guilty for actions which then lead to depression. The major example of guilt that I thought was Charlie's blaming of himself for his aunt's' death. When Charlie writes "And I know that my aunt Helen would still be alive today if she just bought me one present like everybody else. She would be alive if I were born on a day that didn't snow. I would do anything to make this go away" (92). First off, I can't even envision what it would be life to have that guilt on himself, even if it may not be true. I do sometimes feel like "would that have happened if I weren't here or didn't need something?" In this aspect, I can somewhat relate to the feeling but not as extreme as someone's death being somewhat in his hands. Secondly, this must be a pivotal reason behind his depression and explains why he was so sad on his birthday (before he mentioned this part). Just unimaginable to me.