#Contest: YKAatNITtrichy
(Wonder, adaptation of the novel Wonder, by RJ Palacio)
People with visible abnormalities often face undue scrutiny and discrimination in many societies. Their appearances, divergent from societal norms, inadvertently become focal points, leading to staring, whispering, and often bullying. Instead of recognizing and appreciating the person beneath the exterior, society frequently reduces them to their condition. This external judgment hinders social interactions and fosters feelings of isolation and inadequacy among those with these conditions. While some individuals rise above prejudice through resilience and support systems, many continue to live with societal biases, underlining the pressing need for more awareness, education, and empathy.
And this magnum opus breaks the prejudices and biases one holds on how to treat a fellow human being boldly and beautifully in the form of August Pullman.
“Wonder” masterfully encapsulates the varied challenges of its diverse cast through segmented chapters, each diving deep into individual perspectives. This choice gives the audience a deeper look into the grievances and growth of each character, painting a comprehensive portrait of the struggles and resilience of youth.
Auggie Pullman: At the heart of the narrative is Auggie, who has a craniofacial condition. Given his visible difference, his chapter paints the perfect ‘first day of school’ scenario but with an intensified lens of anxiety. Auggie faces bullying, stares, and whispers. But with the help of a few kind souls and his inherent resilience, he manages to not only survive middle school but thrive, symbolizing the idea that it isn’t our exterior but our inner strength and character that define us. By year-end, he is celebrated by peers and teachers alike, marking his journey from trepidation to triumph.
Olivia Pullman, a.k.a Via: Via’s chapter, is a poignant reflection on being the ‘normal’ sibling in a household where the other requires extra attention. She loves her brother but is taken down with feelings of neglect and invisibility. Her journey at school, where she navigates friendships and explores theater, becomes a space where she finds her voice. She learns to communicate her feelings and realizes the importance of self-care and the fact that it’s okay to seek one’s own spotlight.
Summer Dawson: Representing the beacon of kindness, Summer’s chapter delves into why she chooses to befriend Auggie when no one else does. Even as a popular girl, she faces her own battles – including grieving for her late parent. Her chapter is a testament to the idea that personal grief doesn’t preclude one from being kind; sometimes, it’s the very thing that fosters empathy.
Jack Will: Jack’s perspective provides an insightful look into the peer pressure kids face. Initially befriending Auggie, Jack struggles when his popularity is threatened. He makes mistakes, but ultimately, through introspection, realizes the value of true friendship over fleeting social status.
Miranda : Via’s former best friend, Miranda’s chapter is a window into the life of a teenager struggling with her parents’ divorce. She feels disconnected, leading her to distance herself from Via and even adopt a fabricated story about her family life. However, her love for Auggie – whom she considers a younger brother – becomes a life changer for her, making her reevaluate her choices and reconnect with her genuine self.
And personally, my favorite chapter into the life of Justin and how beautifully his continuous string of thoughts were expressed as non-punctuated sentences and tough family background due to his parent’s divorce when he was four years old, yet he still loves the closeness of the Pullman family.
Each chapter in “Wonder” emphasizes that everyone battles internal demons regardless of their exterior or status. The beauty of this work lies in its demonstration that these battles can be overcome with introspection, communication, and the power of human connection. The film poignantly underscores that kindness is, indeed, a choice, and the challenges we face often equip us to make that choice.
This masterpiece was a WONDER in itself. 🙂
Penned by:
Tarunika P,
Roll no.: 110122112
NIT Trichy