SOCIAL EXCLUSION IN R.J PALACIO’S WONDER NOVEL:A DECONSTRUCTION ANALYSIS

Abstract

This paper discussed about the characters’ survival in terms of social exclusion which aimed to deconstruct the binary opposition between the main character and minor character and reveal the deconstructed meaning “unique side” of the main character which are awaken by his social interaction. Also, to analyze on how social exclusion occur and relate to the main character survival in Wonder novel by R. J Palacio. This research is based on Derrida’s Theory about Deconstruction. The data were collected by reading the entire text of the story, identifying binary oppositions, reversing the hierarchy, and finding another meaning concealed in the text. The results of the study show that there are binary oppositions in the story; perfect – imperfect, self-acceptance – mortification, friendship – friendless which all relate to main character flaws and power to conquer the social casualties by his weaknesses. This means that R.J. Palacio’s Wonder is successful in portraying that the Wonder has multi interpretations in the storyline. The character has changed from being diffidence to confidence and every person in movie gives him a meaning to complete himself. From the analysis of deconstruction theory, the character has changed from being diffidence to confidence along with the storyline and can be concluded that being Wonder has multi – interpretations along the storyline