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.
