Themes and Analysis

“Wonder” addresses a few social issues, including parenting, disability issues, and what it means to be a friend. It does so in the story of August Pullman, a fifth-grader with a deformed face who faces up to being different in his new school. R. J. Palacio makes a poignant social commentary with this work.

Themes

The novel explores several themes, including kindness, acceptance, and the impact of outward appearances on personal identity. Through its multi-perspective storytelling, “Wonder” notes the significance of empathy and care in people’s lives.

Kindness

The central message of “Wonder” is the importance of kindness. This is expressed quite early in the novel, as the English teacher introduces the class to learn a precept every month. His choice for the first month is a quote by Dr. Dwayne W. Dyer: “When given the choice between being right and being kind, choose kindness.”

Summer moves to become friends with August because she is moved to kindness when seeing other kids avoid him at lunch. She realizes that August is an exciting and fun person to be around. Jack also befriends August initially out of kindness, and he sees and then appreciates him for his humble, humorous, and intelligent personality. August is surrounded by kindness, expressed by his family, Miranda, his friends at school, and Principal Tushman, which makes it easy for him to bear the isolation he faces at school.

Appearances

August’s facial deformity is a focal point of the story. He begins by hoping that people will see him as ordinary, and he wears a helmet to cover his face for a while so that people may not see his face. He also looked forward to Halloween because everyone wore masks, and he was treated like everyone else. This highlights how people are judged by their appearances, and in the case of August, they make judgments about him based on his appearance. However, he is more than his looks, and the more the people around him get to know him, the more they appreciate how thoughtful, intelligent, and funny he is.

On the other hand, Julian is an expert at making others believe he is a great guy, but underneath that facade, he is malicious and conniving. He says mean things to August and lies against Jack Will when they fall out. Also, Miranda and Via were good friends, but their relationship became strained when they resumed school because they misread what each friend felt about the other. In “Wonder”, looks can indeed be deceiving.

Courage

The theme of courage appears in several instances in R. J. Palacio’s “Wonder”. Sometimes, it is subtle; other times, it is pronounced. It is hard to fully appreciate the bravery it took for August to start at Beecher Prep and continue attending school, withstanding all the bullying he goes through. He was ostracized at the lunch table, in class, and in the playground, and for a significant part of the story, his only companion at lunch was Summer. Summer’s courage is also remarkable. By being August’s friend when no one else wanted to be seen publicly with him and resisting the allure of joining the popular social group at school at the price of giving up August’s company, Summer showed her mettle as a steadfast and brave friend. At the camp, when a group of seventh graders bullies August, Jack Will, joined later by a few other Beecher Prep fifth graders, engages them in a fight to protect August.

Friendship

The story of “Wonder” explores the dynamics and nature of friendship. Friends fight, misunderstand, offend, and betray. They also apologize, forgive, defend, and are gracious to each other. Jack Will jeopardizes his friendship with August by claiming to be his friend because Principal Tushman asks. This hurts August, and Jack Will is deeply sorry, makes amends, and apologizes to August. August forgives him and accepts him back. Summer’s friendship with August is beautiful and wholesome, depicting a rare ideal where friends respond to each other’s true humanity and look beyond what is externally “cool”. In Miranda and Via’s friendship, though at the start of the story they are estranged, in the end, Miranda gives up her spot as the lead in the school play because she understands how much it would mean to Via. These stand in contrast to Julian’s comradeship, bound together by prejudice against August, which unravels at the end of the story as their classmates warm up to August and recognize his charming nature.

Parenting

Parenting is an essential factor in the development of children. The Pullmans are a model of good parenting, attentive to their children’s needs and creating a loving and harmonious environment to support them. Miranda, whose parents divorced, starved her of attention, and Justin, also a child of divorcees, was drawn to the Pullman family because of the warmth and love in their household, traits missing in their respective houses. However, even the model Pullman family is not without its issues. In taking care of August, a child with a deformity that needed special care and delicate attention, they sometimes neglected Via and her needs. Via is sometimes resigned to and sometimes resents this lack of attention. The novel addresses the difficulties parents face when raising children with health-challenging issues or needing special care.

We also see how parents’ principles rub off on their children. Jack Will’s mother exemplifies a parent who tries to raise her children conscientiously, as reflected in Jack Will’s actions. Even when he strays, he feels the better thing he should do and tries to improve. Julian’s villainous actions make more sense to the reader when they read the letters Julian’s mother writes: she is shallow, pompous, and generally corrupt.

Tone and Literary Style

R.J. Palacio’s “Wonder” is characterized by a simple, accessible, conversational writing style that resonates with young and adult readers. The novel employs a first-person narrative, shifting perspectives among several characters, including August, his sister Via, and his friends Jack and Summer. This multi-perspective approach allows readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the story’s events and the emotional landscapes of the characters. For example, August’s straightforward, honest narration captures his innocence and vulnerability: “I know I’m not an ordinary ten-year-old kid.” The use of varied perspectives adds depth to the narrative, showcasing how different individuals perceive and are affected by August’s presence in their lives.

The language is plain yet evocative, making it easy for readers to connect with the characters’ experiences. Palacio’s choice to write in a manner that mirrors the natural speech of children and teenagers adds authenticity to the characters.

The story’s tone is a delicate balance of optimism and realism. While the novel tackles serious issues like bullying, prejudice, and the struggles associated with physical deformities, it does so with a hopeful and encouraging outlook. Palacio addresses the harsh realities of August’s condition and the cruelty he encounters but also touches on the resilience and strength he exhibits. The warmth and humor interspersed throughout the narrative help to lighten the more intense moments, making the story more engaging and relatable. This balance is evident in passages like when August reflects on his friends: “Funny how sometimes you worry a lot about something, and it turns out to be nothing.”

Palacio employs figurative language in the novel to enhance the narrative’s emotional resonance and thematic depth. Metaphors and similes vividly depict August’s experiences and the perceptions of those around him.

Symbolism is also prominent in the novel, with objects like August’s helmet and the Padawan braid symbolizing his struggles and growth. The helmet represents his initial desire to hide from the world while cutting off the braid symbolizes his journey toward self-acceptance and courage.

Key Moments in Wonder

1. August Pullman begins school: After being homeschooled all his life, August finds out he will start schooling at a private middle school. This marks the beginning of August’s journey into a broader social world, where he must face new challenges and opportunities for growth outside his family’s protective bubble.
2. August receives a school tour: Led by Jack Will, Julian, and Charlotte, August gets a peek preview of Beecher Prep, the school he will attend. This moment introduces the reader to key secondary characters and sets the stage for the relationships and conflicts shaping August’s school experience.
3. August’s first isolation at school: On his first day, all his classmates except Summer avoid sitting with him during lunch. Jack Will sits with him during class. This event highlights the initial isolation and prejudice August faces, as well as the kindness of Summer and the emerging friendship with Jack, which are crucial to his integration into school life.
4. August overhears Jack Will saying they are not friends: This is a significant emotional setback for August, as it shatters his trust in Jack and underscores the social pressures and misunderstandings that complicate friendships.
5. Savanna asks Summer to quit being friends with August: Savana gives Savanna the choice to remain friends with August or join the group of popular students. This moment tests Summer’s loyalty and integrity and reveals her strength of character for refusing to leave August. It also shows the social dynamics that challenge true friendship.
6. Jack discovers why August unfriends him: Jack asks Summer why August is no longer friends with him, and she gives him a hint. This interaction is crucial as it propels Jack to reflect on his behavior and take steps toward reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of communication and understanding.
7. Jack hits Julian for making fun of August: This defiance against bullying marks a turning point in Jack’s character, demonstrating his growing loyalty to August and willingness to stand up for what is right.
8. Jack reconciles with August: Jack writes August, asking for forgiveness, and August accepts his apology. They become friends once again. Their reconciliation is a pivotal moment that strengthens their bond and exemplifies themes of forgiveness and personal growth.
9. August finds out about Via’s school play: He discovers Via is hiding her participation in a school play from the family and accuses her of trying to hide him from her new schoolmates. This conflict reveals the complexities of family dynamics and the impact of August’s condition on Via, highlighting themes of sibling relationships and the desire for normalcy.
10. Daisy, the family pet dog, dies: Daisy’s death is a significant emotional moment for the family, symbolizing loss and change and bringing them closer together in their grief.
11. Miranda gives up her role for Via: Miranda steps down from the lead role in the school play, and Via steps in for her. After the play, they all go for a family dinner. This act of generosity by Miranda allows Via to shine, reinforcing themes of sacrifice and support. The family dinner symbolizes reconciliation and unity.
12. August is attacked on a school camping trip: A group from another school attacks him, but his classmates defend him. This event marks a crucial turning point in August’s social acceptance, as his classmates’ defense demonstrates their growing loyalty and solidarity.
13. August wins an award at school: At the graduation ceremony, August receives the Henry Beecher Award. The award recognizes August’s personal growth and resilience and symbolizes his acceptance and recognition by the school community. It is a moment of triumph and validation for his journey.

Symbols

Through symbolism, “Wonder” explores acceptance, identity, and kindness. Symbols like the astronaut helmet, the universe, masks, precepts, names, and the Padawan braid enhance the narrative and provide readers with a profound understanding of August’s story.

The Astronaut Helmet

One of the most prominent symbols in “Wonder” is August’s astronaut helmet. August used to wear this helmet frequently to hide his face from the world, finding comfort and anonymity behind its visor. The helmet symbolizes August’s desire to escape judgment and his struggle with self-acceptance. However, it also represents his isolation and the emotional weight of needing to hide.

The Universe

The novel’s recurring motif of the universe and space is another significant symbol. August’s fascination with space and his self-identification with celestial imagery reflect his feelings of being different and isolated, akin to a unique star in the vast expanse of the universe. The universe symbolizes the broader context of human existence and the importance of each person’s contribution to the world, regardless of their differences.

The Julian Chapter and the Darth Sidious Mask

Julian Albans, one of August’s main antagonists, is associated with the Darth Sidious mask he wears on Halloween. This mask symbolizes Julian’s inner cruelty and the dark side of human nature, which judges and ostracizes others based on superficial differences. Halloween, a day when masks are worn, symbolizes hidden identities and the contrast between appearance and reality.

Precepts and Philosophical Quotes

Mr. Browne’s monthly precepts, introduced throughout the novel, serve as symbolic touchstones for the characters’ moral and ethical development. Each precept, such as “When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind,” symbolizes the lessons and values the characters, especially August, navigate and internalize. These precepts are classroom exercises and guiding principles influencing the characters’ actions and growth.

The Nature of Names

Names and their meanings also carry symbolic weight in the novel. August’s name is symbolic, evoking a sense of greatness and reverence. It contrasts with his feelings of insecurity and the way he perceives the world’s view of him. Via, short for Olivia, means “way” or “path” in Latin, symbolizing her role as a supportive figure and a guide in August’s life. The symbolic nature of names extends to the characters’ development and journeys toward self-discovery and acceptance.

The Padawan Braid

The Padawan braid that August cuts off symbolizes his transition and growth. In “Star Wars”, a Padawan braid represents a Jedi apprentice’s journey and learning. By cutting off the braid, August signifies his readiness to face the world more independently, stepping into a new phase of his life with greater confidence. This act is a personal milestone, symbolizing his internal development and readiness to embrace his identity without relying on symbols of external strength.

Personal Perspective

“Wonder” by R. J. Palacio, centered around August “Auggie” Pullman, a boy with a facial disfiguration, is a powerful reminder of the importance of seeing beyond appearances and recognizing the shared humanity in everyone. The novel’s multi-narrative structure is noteworthy, as it allows readers to experience the story from various viewpoints. This approach enriches the narrative, offering a well-rounded understanding of how Auggie’s presence affects those around him. Auggie’s journey is particularly inspiring because it resonates with the universal desire to belong and be accepted. His courage in facing a world that often judges based on looks is both heart-wrenching and uplifting. The book celebrates compassion and how kindness has the power to transform lives. It’s a book that reminds young readers about the importance of empathy and the impact of even the smallest gestures of goodwill. The novel’s message is simple yet profound: being kind is always the right choice.