Novel Study: WONDER (Part 3)

You know the drill!

1. Explain how the point of view in Part 2 is different from that in Part 1. Do they match up?

No, while Part 1 is in August's perspective, Part 2 is from the perspective of his older sister, Via.

2. In at least a paragraph, describe the challenges Via might face being August's sister.

It's obvious throughout this part that Via doesn't get very much attention as everyone's focus is always on August. This can lead to self-esteem and relationship problems. Her mother is also paranoid about her going on the subway by herself due to her insecurities relating to August. Even though they're not the same person, they're both her children, so she thinks the same about them both.

3. Via says 'August is the Sun'. Explain what she means and why she feels this way.

August is the Sun because everyone orbits around him. Everyone else are the planets around him.

4. Do you agree with Via that she and her parents have made a mistake by always trying to make August feel like he's normal? Is this a problem? Explain.

I actually disagree with Via. Them treating him normally is a good thing, due to the fact that he should be treated normally by default. Besides, he needs emotional support from people who don't judge him because of his face.

5. Why does Via go by Olivia at high school? How is Via finding high school?

She finds it more comfortable to be referred to as 'Olivia'. She's happy that not many people know her, although she's struggling to get along with Ella and Miranda.

6. What are the odds of Via having a child that looks like August? Do you think these are good odds? Explain.

It's a one-in-four chance, but only if she marries someone with the same gene and they have children. These are very good odds, as the gene is quite rare so it won't have a very high chance of double-dosing like what happened to August.

7. Explore the character Miranda. Why did she call August at the end of Part 2? Explain.

She called August to try to get a message through to Via, as proved by the line by August, "She said to tell you she misses you. Quote unquote."

8. Describe Via as a character. Do you empathise with her?

Via is a high school student who always lives in the shadow of August due to his face deformation. I don't empathise with her too much, that would be more my brothers.

9. What do you think will happen to August when he returns to school?

I think he will make friends with more students, who will inspire him to stand up for himself and tell someone about what's happening between himself and Julian.