Silence
The theme of silence is explored through the experiences of the protagonists, both of whom are deaf. Selznick uniquely portrays their world, utilizing text for Ben's story and images for Rose's, effectively capturing their experiences. For Rose, who lives in an era before sign language was widespread, her story's portrayal in images underlines her silent world. Ben's story, after he becomes deaf, emphasizes how he must adapt to his new life. This theme underscores their challenges in communicating with the world while demonstrating their resilience. Selnick emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in communication through their journeys.
Identity
The theme of the search for identity is a powerful driver in Wonderstruck. Ben and Rose are inquisitive characters yearning to understand their place in the world and find a sense of belonging. Ben has lost his mother, never knew his father, and feels misplaced living with his distant relatives in Minnesota. This void in his life fuels his need to discover who his father was, hoping it might provide him a sense of self, a piece of his identity that he feels is missing.
Similarly, Rose, a young girl in 1927, feels misunderstood and lonely in her New Jersey home. As a deaf child, she often escapes into the world of silent movies, where she feels a sense of belonging that she doesn't experience in real life. Her obsession with a silent movie actress fuels her journey to New York City, hoping to establish a connection that would give her a sense of identity and belonging.
Throughout their journeys, Selznick shows how their identity search is interwoven with their struggle for independence and self-actualization. Their journeys are physical and emotional, undergoing transformations that help them understand themselves better. The final resolution, where both characters find links to their pasts and an unexpected connection with each other, cements their self-discovery and underlines the importance of this search for personal identity. It suggests that identity must be actively sought, understood, and embraced. It's an exploration of one's past, present, and future, and it's a journey that might be filled with challenges but ultimately leads to self-discovery and acceptance.
The power of art
Wonderstruck deftly portrays the power of art as a key theme. Art and stories serve as important coping mechanisms for both Ben and Rose, providing them solace, inspiration, and an avenue for expression. Selznick cleverly uses his dual narrative structure, one told through illustrations and the other through text, to highlight how these forms of expression can bridge communication gaps and time.
Rose escapes into the world of silent films, experiencing a sense of connection and understanding that she lacks in her daily life. Through these films, she can express her emotions and thoughts in a way that is otherwise challenging due to her deafness. It also kindles her dream of becoming an actress, showing the power of art to inspire and motivate.
Ben, on the other hand, has a compelling story to tell. The book he carries around, "Wonderstruck," becomes his compass, guiding him on his journey to discover his father's identity. This object becomes a symbol of the narrative he is piecing together about his own life. His storyline underscores the importance of storytelling in understanding our identities and histories.
