Auggie's Metamorphosis

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Mandibulofacial dysostosis is a rare genetic disorder causing facial deformities due to a genetic mutation on the fifth chromosome. It affects only one in every 50,000 children born, but Auggie Pullman in Wonder by R.J. Palacio was one of the children who suffered from this condition. Due to the countless surgeries performed on Auggie’s face due to his disorder, Auggie had been homeschooled for the first ten years of his life. The novel followed Auggie’s journey as he learned to fit in during his first year attending school. He tried to feel a sense of belonging with his fellow fifth graders and struggled with creating new friendships, as many of his peers judged him based on his appearance. Through Auggie’s experiences, Palacio portrays the message that one’s character should not be dependant on his appearance, but rather on the strength of his heart.
As the novel progressed, it was evident that Auggie kept trying to be …show more content…

Tushman, the principal of Auggie’s school, recognized that Auggie experienced unfair treatment due to his deformities, so he made a point to acknowledge out that Auggie was the strongest and greatest student in the entire school. At fifth grade graduation, Mr. Tushman presented Auggie with an award, saying, “... I am proud to award the Henry Ward Beecher medal to the student whose quiet strength has carried up the most hearts” (Palacio 304). Palacio incorporated this scene into the novel to remind the reader of the hardships Auggie had to endure, just because of the way he looked. Yet, Auggie was able to tough it out and keep coming to school day after day. Not many of his classmates recognized what strong person Auggie was, but those who were able to were given the benefit of a new friendship with an entertaining and vivacious person. From first appearance, Auggie may have not seemed like someone Summer and Jack wanted to be seen hanging out with. Yet, they were able to overcome his deformities and discover the depth to his

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