Symbolism

Symbolism Of Ordinary

August considered himself “Not ordinary or normal”. From the scowling looks he gets at school, to the behind his back betrayals, Auggie struggles to find a place at his new school. The word “Ordinary” is a very important and meaning that is included in the book.  The book begins with the sentence “I know I am not an ordinary ten-year-old kid” (Pg. 3). The reader doesn’t know the physical appearance of August just yet, which grows suspicion for the reader. “Ordinary” has its own chapter, which introduces the book. August describes how some people describe him as ordinary and also how others don’t. In the beginning of the book, August describes how Via is over protective of him - “Via doesn’t see me as ordinary. She says she does, but if I were ordinary, she wouldn’t feel like she needs to protect me as much” (Pg. 3). But according to August, he considers himself ordinary because of his actions and interests compared to other “ordinary” kids. In Via’s point of view farther into the book reveals her thought towards people who judge August. Via feels hate towards the people that judge Auggie by his deformity.

Being ordinary is someone who does not stand out to others or appear different from others. Many people have other opinions on the meaning of the word. Ordinary has a strong connection to August’s life and how he fits himself in the real world. The book Wonder ends with a great theme and life lesson to carry with you forever: “Never judge a book by its cover”.

The Astronaut Helmet

The astronaut helmet represents Auggie's desire to hide from the world, and it gives him a little, er, space from all the gawkers out there. It is the first thing Auggie uses to control when people can see him, which is pretty fitting since that's exactly what astronauts use their helmets for too: control. Astronauts wear their helmets to make little safe spaces for themselves amongst the endless and inhospitable expanse of outer space, and in his own way, Auggie does the same.

The thing is, though, while it's true that people didn't stare at Auggie when he wore his helmet, they also didn't talk to him. This means that the helmet serves as both a refuge and a self-imposed isolation—the astronaut helmet cuts Auggie off from the world as effectively as being in outer space. So while there are understandable benefits to slipping on the helmet, we also see that Auggie uses it as a way to avoid having to engage with the world around him.

Fortunately Auggie's dad misses his son's face so much that he secretly throws away the helmet, bringing his young astronaut reluctantly back to earth. And in doing so, we understand that the helmet was a tool for a kid, and that now Auggie's growing up.