What does it take to live a principled life? Self-knowledge? Courage? Maturity? Discipline? It all depends on what principles you're trying to live by.
In Wonder,as the kids in fifth grade at Beecher Prep have their world rocked by the appearance of August Pullman, how are their individual principles challenged or reinforced?
Summer is the poster child for the principles of kindness and loyalty. Julian is inexplicably and consistently hostile. Because of people like Julian, Jack knows he has to help Auggie, and he does—but he holds back. Worried about his social status, Jack sits on the fence regarding his friendship with Auggie until it's almost too late to save the friendship at all.
Meanwhile Auggie's sister Via and her former bestie Miranda find themselves alienated from each other as high school begins. Via's remained true to herself, but Miranda has taken a hiatus from who she has been to explore not only other principles, but also other identities.
No matter where you turn in this book, principles are in the mix.
Questions About Principles
- Do you think Mr. Browne devotes so much time to teaching and talking about principles every year? Is he giving the subject extra time because of August's presence?
- What kinds of things can challenge a person's principles? What strengthens people's principles?
- What would you identify as Jack's strongest principle? What about his weakest? Do either of those change?
Chew on This
It's safer to hang with the herd than to stand up for one's principles, but ultimately it is a lot more rewarding to take risks on doing what you know is right.
A person's principles are the foundation of their identity.