In R.J. Palacio’s Wonder, Palacio tells the journey of a young boy named August, also known as Auggie Pullman, who for the first time in his life, decides to start attending school despite his facial differences. Palacio uniquely illustrates Auggie’s experience by telling his story from varying perspectives – including from the perspectives of Auggie’s, family, Auggie’s friends and Auggie himself. Notably, Palacio initially refrains from writing a chapter of Auggie’s story from the perspective of one of his peers, Julian, who is time and again referenced throughout the narrative.
Julian is the classic “popular” boy in Auggie’s grade. While he gives off the appearance to his teachers that he is a sweet young boy, in actuality he is disrespectful to any of his peers who he deems are not as “cool” as he is. Julian is portrayed as thinking he is better than and above every one else, often doing whatever he wants, whenever he wants, believing there will be no repercussions. If Julian were to describe himself, I believe he would describe himself in the same way he is described by others – using words such as “cool” and “popular” to describe his status, particularly in regard to his classmates. I also believe he would speak with a snobby attitude and self-righteous tone. Additionally, I think Julian knows that he can get away with acting unkindly, which is why he continues to do so, believing even if he acts unkindly, everyone will continue to idealize him and want to be his friend. That said, even though many want to be Julian’s friend, only Julian himself has the power to determine his friendships.
From start to end, it is made clear that Julian does not want to befriend Auggie. Thus, if Julian were to explain his experiences with Auggie, he would make sure that people understand that he does not care to befriend him, and that he thinks Auggie is a “freak.” If asked of his friendship with Auggie by a peer, I believe that Julian would say statements such as: “So, what? I’m not friends with that new kid. I don’t care” or “I’m only friends with normal people, not freaks.” Additionally, if Julian were to describe his relationship with Auggie, Julian wouldn’t hide his cruelty toward how he feels about Auggie unless talking with an adult other than his parents. I believe he would speak positively about his relationship with Auggie if he were talking to a teacher or faculty member. However, it should be made evident that Julian would not talk highly of Auggie when in conversation with his own parents, not just because they are his parents, but because they share views similar to his own.
It is palpable that Julian’s parents have had an influence on his behavior toward Auggie. When Julian’s mom expresses her concerns about Jack Will’s relationship with Auggie in an email to Mr. Tushman, it at first seems that she genuinely feels like there has been a lot of pressure being put on Jack to befriend Auggie. As her email to Mr. Tushman continues, she makes it clear that she does not believe Auggie should be apart of the Beecher Prep community due to his facial differences. It is then made apparent that Julian and his parents have similar attitudes toward Auggie when Jack Will is told that Julian’s mother is asked why Jack had punched Julian. She told everyone that Jack had “emotional problems…and none of it would have happened in the first place if Tushman hadn’t forced you[Jack] to be friend with Auggie” (p 171). Lastly, it is made clear that Julian’s parents do not want Julian to have a relationship with Auggie at all when they decide to pull Julian from Beecher Prep for the following school year. It is made obvious that Julian’s views towards Auggie were heavily influenced by his mother’s feelings and ideas towards Auggie. For instance, if Julian’s parents were more welcoming of Auggie into the Beecher Prep community, they would probably have pushed Julian harder to be more kind and friendly. Parents have a huge influence on their children’s behaviors, which in this case was not for the better. Although it was not originally in Palacio’s book, Julian’s Chapter creates a great addition to Wonder. In every situation, there are always two sides to the story. From August’s point of view, it is evident that Julian is not a welcoming peer, but instead a bully. It is unclear why Julian behaves in such a manner, though Palacio makes it out to be due to his parents’ influence. However, after reading Julian’s chapter, Palacio invites the readers to understand the reasoning behind Julian’s actions, as well as his parents. Julian has a history with anxiety and sleep issues that are brought on by events or images that bring him fear. As most parents would do for their children, Julian’s parents do what they believe needs to be done to best benefit Julian and his overall well-being. One example is when Julian’s mother emails Mr. Tushman of her concerns about Auggie and the pressure put on students to befriend him. [What did they do???]The reason she does so is because this pressure and Auggie himself stems from the recurrence of Julian’s nightmares and anxiety, which began again once he was introduced to Auggie. Additionally, it is brought to the readers’ attention the real reason behind Julian’s mom photoshopping Auggie out of the class photo. She does so, so that Julian is not reminded of what brought back his anxiety. She wants Julian to remember that year without it being tainted. Although this does not justify the way Julian treats Auggie, it shows that other people may also have problems that are not made apparent to the rest of the community. Additionally, Julian’s chapter delves into life lessons that are appropriate for young adults and students that may be reading Palacio’s book. Specifically, Palacio explores the importance of understanding one’s actions, as well as remorse. For example, when Julian hears his grandmother’s similar story to Auggie’s story about a peer named Julian, Julian starts to understand the consequences of his actions and feel remorseful for how he treated Auggie. Although much time has passed, Julian, on his own, decides to write an apology to Auggie. Due to his disappointment of the way he treated August, Julian wants to forget about that boy he used to be and start anew. Palacio’s Julian chapter makes a wonderful addition to the book by teaching readers that there are always two sides to every story, as well as teaches readers the importance of remorse.