August
Extended Character Analysis
In R. J. Palacio’s Wonder, August Pullman was born with mandibulofacial dysostosis, a severe birth defect that combined with other abnormalities to disfigure his face. When the novel opens, August is ten years old and has undergone a number of plastic surgeries that have reshaped his mouth and jaw, correcting his cleft palate. His loving and protective parents have been homeschooling him all this time but are debating sending him to a middle school called Beecher Prep. August and his parents take a tour of the school during the summer. Three students—Jack, Julian, and Charlotte—show him around. Jack and Charlotte are both polite, but Julian, the villain of the novel, asks rude questions about August’s defects.
August decides to enroll at Beecher Prep anyway. He knows that his classmates will stare at him and call him a freak. He deliberately sits in the back of the class, where fewer people will notice him. Jack sits with him, and August starts to think of Jack as a friend. August’s perception changes on Halloween, when he overhears Jack and Julian talking about how the principal forced Jack to be friends with August. August doesn’t talk to Jack for a long time. Only after Jack punches Julian and realizes why August is upset at him do the boys reconcile. August invites Jack to sit with him and Summer at lunch.
Gradually, August begins building a group of friends. The other students become accustomed to his face and start to realize that he’s funny. He happily attends a wilderness retreat with his classmates. Unfortunately, some older boys from a different school attack August and Jack in the woods, stealing August’s hearing aids. This has the unexpected effect of making August popular at school, where the story spreads amongst his classmates. Julian, who previously organized a campaign to shun August and Jack, finds himself ostracized now that all his classmates have decided they like August. To August’s delight, Julian won’t be returning to Beecher Prep the following year.
In recognition of his bravery in the face of difficult circumstances, August receives an award for honorable behavior at the fifth-grade graduation. His friends congratulate him, and August marvels at how his life has changed. He almost feels like a normal kid now and is very happy he decided to attend Beecher Prep.
Expert Q&A
Where does August display courage in the book Wonder?
August displays courage throughout Wonder. In many ways, the book presents courage as one of his most important characteristics. Some of the instances involve him standing up to others, while others involve him forgiving people who have hurt him. The bravest acts occur when he must confront his inner fears, as he does when he starts school.
How do August, his parents, and Mr. Tushman feel about him attending school?
August is apprehensive about attending school due to his facial disfigurement, fearing he will stand out. His mother supports the idea, believing it will help him grow and make friends, while recognizing her limits in homeschooling. His father is protective, fearing school will expose August to cruelty. Contrarily, Mr. Tushman, the school principal, is optimistic and supportive, arranging a welcoming tour with students to boost August's confidence about joining the school.
How does August describe his appearance in the "Padawan" chapter of Wonder?
August describes the way he looks in the “Padawan” chapter as ugly. He says his eyes go too far down, his cheeks looked “punched in,” and he compares his mouth to a tortoise’s mouth.
What animal does August use to represent himself in Wonder?
In Wonder, August draws a duck to represent himself. When asked why he chose a duck, the only explanation he offers is that he thinks this is what he looks like.
In Wonder, who are August's close friends and how did they meet?
In Wonder, August's close friends are Jack Will and Summer Dawson. Jack meets Auggie as part of the welcoming committee, and despite some conflicts, they reconcile and become close. Summer befriends Auggie by sitting with him at lunch on the first day of school out of sympathy, and they bond over time. Their friendships strengthen as they face challenges together, especially against the bully Julian.
In R. J. Palacio's Wonder, does August see himself as ordinary or extraordinary?
August sees himself as an ordinary kid with an extraordinary face, hoping to be accepted for who he is beyond his facial disfigurement. He desires to be treated like any other child, with friends and normal experiences. However, societal prejudices initially prevent this acceptance, as others struggle to see past his appearance. August wishes for people to recognize that he is just like them, despite his unique challenges.
What are two challenges August faces in school in Wonder?
August faces significant challenges at school, including ostracism and bullying by classmates. The lack of a disabilities services office at the school leaves him without institutional support for transitioning from homeschooling. Initially, only two students, Jack and Summer, show him kindness, while others like Julian are openly hostile. These issues escalate into physical violence, both at school and during a retreat, highlighting the social and emotional difficulties August endures.
In Wonder, what does August mean by saying, “the only reason I’m not ordinary is that no one else sees me that way”?
In Wonder, when August says, “the only reason I'm not ordinary is that no one else sees me that way,” he is referring to the fact that while he is a normal child on the inside, he is abnormal in appearance, which many people fail to look past.
What discussion does August have with his parents after leaving Christopher's house in Wonder?
On the drive home from Christopher's house in Wonder, August and his parents have a discussion about his educational future. His mom believes that he should enroll in middle school and interact with people more. His dad is apprehensive and does not feel that August is ready to attend middle school. He says that sending August to school is like sending "a lamb to the slaughter."
How and why does August's lunch experience improve in Wonder?
August's lunch experience improves when Summer befriends him by sitting at his table, offering him kindness and acceptance. Initially, August feels self-conscious about his facial disfigurement, as other students stare at him in the cafeteria. Summer's decision to sit with him and create a welcoming space for "nice" students helps August feel more secure and less like an object of curiosity, significantly enhancing his lunch experience.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.
