Acceptance In R. J. Palacio's Wonder

Acceptance is Key is a quote most might know, but who said it? Not an answer easily found, despite that, R.J. Palacio’s Wonder relies heavily on this precept. In the opening page of Wonder, the main character August Pullman says, “I won’t describe what I look like, whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse” (Palacio 3). This one sentence has a powerful effect on the rest of the plot. The author leaves the description of August open to imagination and lets each character give their own rendition of what August looks like in their opinion. August of course makes this statement in reference to his craniofacial abnormalities that not only has tremendous effects on his life, but also those who surround and come in contact with him. This is one of the main challenges all characters in Wonder face, overcoming Auggie’s facial disfigurement. As the novel progresses some characters display the universal

Her acceptance began with pity for August on the first day of school when she seen him sitting alone at lunch. As she spent more time with him she was able to overcome his disfigurement and truly befriend him. Jack’s acceptance also begins with pity when his mother convinces him to come to the school and tour August around the school during summer. What began as pity quickly transforms into a true friendship after he and August have a fight and Jack notices he much he misses Auggie’s companionship. It takes a bit longer for the rest of the Beecher Prep students to overlook Auggie’s face. Auggie’s humor in regards to his own situation and display of courage during the fifth grade retreat is what it took for majority of the fifth grade to look past August’s appearance. In the chapter “The Shift”, we see that the other students finally treat August normally when August says, “…suddenly I wasn’t known for what I’d always been known for, but for this other thing that had happened.” (Palacio