In Wonder, Auggie's family is loving, funny, protective, and supportive—and everyone who knows the Pullmans can see what a nurturing and caring family they are. (For contrast, check out what Miranda and Justin say about their families.) But for Auggie to find his place in the world, he has to actually get out there and interact with it, and both his parents and sister push him, at certain points of the story, to leave his comfort zone to make this happen. Through all his struggles along the way, his family is always there to comfort him, to shore him up, to encourage and support him, and to celebrate his victories.
Questions About Family
- Why do Auggie's parents talk him into starting school?
- Why does Auggie's dad think this will be like sending a "lamb to the slaughter?"
- How is the Pullman family different from the families described by other narrators?
- Why does Via get so mad when people stare at Auggie?
- Why does Auggie's dad throw away the astronaut helmet?
Chew on This
When the going gets tough, the Pullmans start cracking jokes. This family culture gives Auggie—and the reader—some comic relief even when things get really heavy.
While the Pullman family members are very loving and nurturing, Via still gets short-changed in all sorts of ways. She both accepts and resents this dynamic.