Quote Hunting - Wonder Film Study

Analyzing the ideas and themes of a film:

Quote Hunting!

"I wish everyday could be Halloween. We could all wear masks all 

the time. Then we could walk around and get to know each other before 

we go to see what we looked like under the masks." 

- Auggie

- This quote Highlights Auggie's desires to be known for something

other than the way he looks. It's more like he wants to be hidden

under a mask all the time so other students don't get frightened

or bully him for how he looks. The problem is that few people take their

time to have the guts to go up to Auggie and talk to him and get

to know him, since many people are put off by the way he looks. 

Auggie wants everyone to realize that it matters more what

is on the inside rather than on the outside. 

"Funny how sometimes you worry a lot about something 

and it turns out to be nothing."

- Auggie

- This quote marks the beginning of Auggie changing from being

disliked and feeling like he doesn't fit and belong at school to being

accepted and being involved. He spends much time worrying about 

what the other students will think of how he looks. 

People have begun to accept Auggie for who he is and no longer react

negatively to how he looks.

"I think there should be a rule that everyone in the world should 

get a standing ovation at least once in their lives". 

- Auggie

- The entire auditorium claps for Via and the other student actors

after they complete their opening night performance of the school

play. This quote shows Auggie's insightfulness and kindness, 

he recognizes how worthwhile it is to make people feel important

and loved, and wants everyone to have that feeling. In another way,

such warm acceptance is something that he hasn't had often enough 

in his life. 

"If every single person in this room made it a rule that wherever

you are, wherever you can, you will try to act a little kinder 

than is necessary - the world really would be a better place.

- Mr. Tushman

Mr Tushman's speech at the fifth grade graduation 

is about the importance of showing kindness in all areas of life,

this also shows the theme of Kindness, because throughout

Mr Tushman's speech it gives a really touching important message

behind being kind and treating others the way they want to be treated.

The other students have learned how essential it is to be kind to everyone,

even those who appear to be different. 

"You really are a wonder, Auggie. You are a wonder"

- Mom

This quote is an acknowledgement of how Auggie has changed 

the lives of everyone around him in just being who he is.

Also how far he's made it and how he has managed to put up 

with other students calling him nasty names and not being him nicely.

Now Auggie is seen as a wonder because of his strength

of character and his braveness and kindness. 

He has taught both other characters in the film and people who are

watching the film important lessons throughout the film.

Auggie really is a Wonder.

Wonder Themes!

Kindness:

Kindness features strongly in this film, as many of Auggie's

struggles in life are linked to the unkind responses of others. 

My favorite scene in the film that shows the theme of Kindness

is at the end of the film, Mr Tushman makes an important graduation

about the importance of being kind to all people, regardless of background,

circumstances, or appearances. 

Family:

Auggie's family plays a really important role throughout the film

and in Auggie's life while adjusting attending school for the first time.

The Pullmans Family are a constant source of support, 

encouragement, and love, no matter how rough it gets of Auggie

as he tries to fit into school. Family is also important because

other characters such as Miranda don't have the luxury of a close

family like Auggie's. 

While the universe has been so unkind to Auggie in many ways,

in perhaps the most important ways it has blessed him with a loving,

supportive family that can help him get through almost anything.

Friendship:

It only takes one person to help someone who was once 

lonely feel much more confident and secure, and the friends

that Auggie makes throughout the film plays a huge role of helping

him to get through his first year at school. 

Summer is a true friend to Auggie right from the beginning,

she is there for him during his toughest times.

While Jack screws up and says things he does not mean,

he eventually realizes the mistake he is making and apologizes,

True friends make it so much easier to face and overcome any 

challenge in life.

Popularity:

Popularity is an important theme in this film, 

multiple characters struggle with the choice between doing what will

 make them popular and doing what they know is right. 

Jack tries initially to fit in with Julian because he wants

to be popular, but eventually realizes that being a friend

to Auggie is more important. Miranda tells lies at camp 

to be more popular, but loses her best friend as a result this 

dishonesty and comes to see that being friends with Via is what really

matters to her.