Student Question

What are the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution in Wonder?

Quick answer:

In "Wonder", the exposition introduces August's condition and his transition to a regular school. The rising action follows his struggles to make friends at school, leading to a misunderstanding with his friend Jack. The climax is a confrontation with older kids during a field trip, where August's former bullies surprisingly defend him. The falling action sees August gaining more friends and acceptance, while the bully Julian is ostracized. The resolution is August receiving a prize at the graduation ceremony, to his mother's pride.

Expert Answers

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The exposition involves learning about August's condition, how he has been homeschooled, and how his parents want him to attend a normal school. This allows the reader to understand and sympathize with August.

The rising action concerns August's becoming accustomed to school life. He struggles to form connections with others because the other students are uncomfortable with his disability. He strikes up a friendship with a boy named Jack and is tormented by the class bully, Julian. A misunderstanding leads August to believe Jack was forced against his will to befriend him by a teacher, which causes the relationship between the two boys to deteriorate. August wants to opt out of school. Fortunately, he and Jack reconcile.

The climax occurs while August and his class go to a nature preserve. When August and Jack encounter older kids messing with firecrackers in the woods, they are physically harassed. In a surprise twist, most of August's former bullies rescue him.

The falling action sees August's position in the school changing. He makes more friends, while Julian is abandoned by others due to his cruelty. August has finally come into his own.

The resolution takes place during the fifth grade graduation ceremony. August receives a prize for being a great student. His mother beams with pride.

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