When watching childhood cartoons, many don’t realize the symbolism until they are much older. The Peanuts franchise, created by Charles M. Schulz, is a franchise that people in teenage years can surprisingly connect with. Each character has their own quirks and personality traits that signify them as a person and represent the feelings of people, specifically in school settings, around the world.
Schulz used each character to represent a different “stereotype” that is found in school systems. The main character of the franchise, Charlie Brown, is one who was inspired by Schulz himself, embodying his own anxieties, insecurities, and other mental illnesses. When Charlie Brown said “I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus, Christmas is coming, but I’m not happy. I don’t feel the way I’m supposed to feel.” This is a common feeling among those who are growing up, realizing that the fantasies they once knew as true, are slowly drifting away from their memory. Charlie Brown was someone who didn’t want to grow up. Mental illness among young children is very common, but usually goes unnoticed. Charlie Brown’s fear of growing up and facing teenage years and adulthood is a common fear among those who want to live their lives to the fullest. Charlie Brown is a character that almost everyone can relate to, reminding the audience that you aren’t alone.
Sally Brown, Charlie Brown’s little sister, is almost the complete opposite of Charlie Brown. Instead of fearing growing up, Sally has the desire to grow up quickly. This desire causes Sally to have a lot of stress as she is constantly trying to please and impress her peers. She often sets unrealistic expectations for herself and when she doesn’t meet her goals, her self esteem diminishes. Sally truly embodies that feeling inside to grow up fast and mature which reminds the audience to take everything one day at a time, and enjoy childhood while it lasts.
Snoopy, the beloved beagle, represents creativity and fantasy which is what many leave behind in their childhoods. When Snoopy is seen to be pretending he is in world war 1, this isn’t just a silly fantasy. It’s Snoopy’s way of normalizing finding who you are or who you could be. Snoopy’s sense of imagination helps warm the hearts of many as they search for the memories they may have lost over time.
Lucy is a character that many people see themselves in. Lucy represents those with a desire for control and the frustration that comes along with this desire. Lucy’s psychiatric booth helps represent how those who believe they are above others will do whatever it takes to stay above others. Lucy tries to make it seem like she has all the answers which is far from the truth. Through Lucy, Schulz was able to show the audience that if you have too large of an ego, it is easier to push others away.
Linus is a character that many love. Linus is always seen to be carrying around his security blanket. This is more common than people think. Many people carry around their blankets from when they were babies or other security items that make them feel safe and comfortable in any situation. Nowadays this can be portrayed through fidget toys because people use them in overwhelming situations. In regards to Linus’s blanket, he can often be portrayed as childish; however, that is far from the truth. Linus often delivers the post philosophical and mature advice, which contradicts Lucy’s character. Linus truly symbolizes how people can be vulnerable and wise at the same time.
Peppermint Patty and Marcie embody the idea that opposites attract. In this sense, Peppermint Patty is a sporty girl who often counts herself out in school. Marcie is one who is quiet and prides herself on her intelligence. Though you wouldn’t think these two would work well together, Peppermint Patty and Marcie show the audience that opposites often blend and balance each other out in friendships.
The character Franklin represents racial integration during the civil rights era. Franklin’s character was a later addition to the franchise, but strongly represents inclusion and the simple idea from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that friendship should cross racial boundaries.
Though these are just some of the main characters, each character truly symbolizes the different parts of human experience. Through each comic strip, story, and movie, and through the 75 years of creativity, Charles M. Schulz was able to use symbolism to show everyone that each feeling you have is normal and that you are not alone in any situation. The peanuts franchise is one that continues to grow and truly inspires each and every audience member through symbolism. So next time you’re reading something or watching a movie I want you to think about the big picture, there is always something new to find.
