A Wrinkle In Time | Madeleine L’Engle | Cliff Note Books
“A Wrinkle in Time” is a science fiction and fantasy novel written by Madeleine L’Engle and published in 1962. The story follows the journey of Meg Murry, her younger brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O’Keefe as they embark on an adventure through space and time to rescue Meg and Charles Wallace’s father.
The novel begins by introducing Meg, a young girl who struggles with self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy. Her father, a renowned scientist, has been missing for some time after conducting top-secret government research. Meg’s younger brother, Charles Wallace, is exceptionally intelligent but is often misunderstood by others.
One stormy night, Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin are visited by three mysterious celestial beings named Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which. These beings reveal that Meg’s father is trapped on a distant planet, Camazotz, which is under the control of a powerful dark force known as the Black Thing. The children are informed that they possess a unique gift that can help them rescue their father.
Guided by Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which, the children “tesser” through space-time, a concept known as “wrinkling” in the fabric of space, to reach Camazotz. There, they encounter the eerie conformity of the planet, where all inhabitants are controlled by the evil “IT” and are forced to conform to its ways.
Meg and her friends face various challenges and dangers as they strive to locate her father and free him from the clutches of the Black Thing. Along the way, Meg discovers her own inner strength and learns to embrace her faults and differences as sources of power.
With the help of Mrs. Which, Meg confronts the powerful “IT” and realizes that love, specifically the love she has for her brother, is the key to overcoming darkness and returning home. Through the power of love, the children successfully rescue their father and return to Earth.
“A Wrinkle in Time” explores themes of love, courage, self-acceptance, and the battle between light and darkness. It combines elements of science fiction, fantasy, and spirituality to create a captivating adventure that encourages readers to embrace their individuality and value the power of love in the face of adversity.
QUOTES FROM A WRINKLE IN TIME
“Life, with its rules, its obligations, and its freedoms, is like a sonnet: You’re given the form, but you have to write the sonnet yourself.” – Mrs. Whatsit
“The foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” – Mrs. Who
“We can’t take any credit for our talents. It’s how we use them that counts.” – Mrs. Whatsit
“Don’t be afraid to be afraid.” – Charles Wallace
“Maybe you have to know the darkness before you can appreciate the light.” – Meg Murry
“You have to be brave with your life so that others can be brave with theirs.” – Mrs. Whatsit
“Love. That was what she had that IT did not have.” – Meg Murry
“Like and equal are not the same thing at all!” – Meg Murry
“The only way to cope with something deadly serious is to try to treat it a little lightly.” – Calvin O’Keefe
“I don’t understand it any more than you do, but one thing I’ve learned is that you don’t have to understand things for them to be.” – Mrs. Murry
AUTHOR OF A WRINKLE IN TIME
Madeleine L’Engle, born Madeleine L’Engle Camp, was an American author born on November 29, 1918, in New York City. She grew up in an artistic and intellectual environment, with her father being a writer and her mother a pianist.
L’Engle’s passion for storytelling developed at a young age, and she began writing at an early age. She attended boarding school in Switzerland, where she studied literature, languages, and music. After returning to the United States, she attended Smith College in Massachusetts, majoring in English. She graduated in 1941.
L’Engle’s writing career started with the publication of her first novel, “The Small Rain,” in 1945. She went on to write numerous novels, poetry, plays, and works of non-fiction throughout her career. However, it was her science fiction and fantasy novel, “A Wrinkle in Time,” published in 1962, that brought her widespread acclaim and recognition.
“A Wrinkle in Time” quickly became a beloved classic, winning the Newbery Medal in 1963. L’Engle continued the story with a series of sequels known as the “Time Quintet,” including “A Wind in the Door,” “A Swiftly Tilting Planet,” “Many Waters,” and “An Acceptable Time.”
L’Engle’s writing often explored themes of science, spirituality, and the interplay between good and evil. She had a unique ability to blend science fiction and fantasy elements with deep philosophical questions and moral dilemmas, making her work both accessible and thought-provoking.
In addition to her writing, L’Engle was an avid supporter of arts education and frequently spoke at conferences and events. She passed away on September 6, 2007, in Litchfield, Connecticut, leaving behind a significant literary legacy.
Madeleine L’Engle’s works continue to captivate readers of all ages, and her contributions to children’s literature and the science fiction genre have solidified her place as one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. Her imaginative storytelling, complex characters, and exploration of profound themes have made her an enduring figure in literature.
THEMES IN A WRINKLE IN TIME
Good versus Evil: The novel explores the eternal battle between good and evil, with characters fighting against darkness and seeking to restore balance. It emphasizes the power of love, courage, and morality in overcoming evil forces.
Individuality and Nonconformity: The book celebrates the importance of embracing one’s individuality and uniqueness. It encourages readers to appreciate their differences and to resist societal pressures to conform.
The Power of Love: Love is a central theme in the book. It highlights the transformative and redemptive power of love, showing how it can conquer darkness, heal wounds, and bring people together.
The Nature of Light and Darkness: The novel explores the contrast between light and darkness, both metaphorically and literally. It delves into the struggle between light and the shadows of evil, emphasizing the significance of finding one’s inner light to combat darkness.
The Value of Friendship and Family: The importance of friendship and family bonds is highlighted throughout the story. The characters rely on their relationships and support systems to overcome challenges and find strength in unity.
Faith and Belief: The book explores the themes of faith and belief in a broader sense, beyond religious affiliations. It emphasizes the power of trust, hope, and belief in something greater than oneself.
The Complexity of Good and Evil: L’Engle delves into the idea that good and evil are not always black and white. Characters face moral dilemmas and must navigate the complexities of their choices, demonstrating that the line between good and evil can be blurred.
The Importance of Self-Acceptance: The novel emphasizes the significance of self-acceptance and self-worth. Characters learn to embrace their flaws, strengths, and unique qualities, discovering the value in accepting and loving oneself.
DISCUSSIONS WHEN STUDYING A WRINKLE IN TIME
The Concept of Time and Space: Explore the concept of “wrinkling” or traveling through space and time. Discuss the scientific and fantastical elements portrayed in the book and their significance to the story.
The Battle Between Good and Evil: Analyze the portrayal of the struggle between good and evil in the novel. Discuss the characters’ roles in this battle, the nature of darkness and light, and the ways in which they are represented.
Character Development: Examine the growth and transformation of the main characters, particularly Meg Murry. Discuss how Meg’s self-doubt and journey of self-discovery contribute to the overarching themes of the novel.
Themes of Conformity and Individuality: Explore the themes of conformity and individuality in the book. Discuss how characters like Charles Wallace and Meg challenge societal norms and expectations, and the importance of embracing one’s uniqueness.
The Power of Love and Connection: Analyze the role of love in the story and its ability to overcome darkness. Discuss the different types of love portrayed, such as familial love, friendship, and the love between Meg and Calvin.
Science, Spirituality, and Philosophy: Delve into the blending of science, spirituality, and philosophical ideas in the novel. Discuss the exploration of concepts such as higher dimensions, the nature of the universe, and the existence of a greater cosmic order.
The Importance of Acceptance and Self-Worth: Discuss the themes of acceptance, self-worth, and embracing one’s faults and differences. Explore how characters like Meg struggle with their identities and the significance of self-acceptance in their journeys.
Social Commentary: Explore the social commentary present in the book. Discuss the critique of conformity, the dangers of a homogenous society, and the importance of valuing diversity and individuality.
Gender Roles and Female Empowerment: Analyze the portrayal of gender roles in the novel. Discuss the strong female characters and their contributions to the story, and how the book challenges traditional gender expectations.
The Role of Sacrifice and Selflessness: Examine the instances of sacrifice and selflessness in the story. Discuss how characters like Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which exemplify these qualities and the impact of their actions.
SUMMARY OF A WRINKLE IN TIME
Chapter 1: Mrs. What’s-it: The novel introduces the Murry family, consisting of Meg Murry, her younger brother Charles Wallace, and their mother. Meg is a high school student who struggles with self-doubt and academic difficulties. Charles Wallace is exceptionally intelligent and has a unique bond with their mother. The chapter also introduces Calvin O’Keefe, a classmate of Meg’s who joins them for dinner. During their conversation, they discuss the mysterious disappearance of Mr. Murry, Meg and Charles Wallace’s father.
Chapter 2: Mrs. Who: Meg and Charles Wallace accompany Calvin to his house, where they encounter his mother, who exhibits signs of abusive behavior. The children then encounter Mrs. Who, a strange and mysterious neighbor. They discuss the strange events surrounding Mr. Murry’s disappearance and the arrival of the three celestial beings known as Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which.
Chapter 3: Mrs. Which: The three celestial beings, Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which, reveal their identities as beings from different dimensions. They explain that they have come to help Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin find and rescue their father, who is trapped on a distant planet engulfed by the darkness known as the Black Thing. The children agree to embark on the journey and learn about the concept of “tessering,” or traveling through space and time.
Chapter 4: The Black Thing: Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which explain the concept of the Black Thing, which represents evil and is responsible for the darkness and suffering in the universe. They describe its influence on Earth and their mission to combat it. Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin learn that their love for one another and their unique abilities will help them in their quest.
Chapter 5: The Tesseract: The children are introduced to the concept of a tesseract, a wrinkle in time that allows them to travel through space instantaneously. With the help of the celestial beings, they “tesser” to the planet Uriel, where they witness the beauty of the universe and receive gifts to aid them on their journey. Mrs. Whatsit transforms into a winged creature and takes them on a journey through the cosmos.
Chapter 6: The Happy Medium: The children tesser to the planet of the Happy Medium, who possesses a crystal ball through which they can observe different locations and events. They witness a disturbing scene on the planet Camazotz, where uniformity and conformity are enforced. The Happy Medium warns them about the challenges they will face and the importance of staying true to themselves.
Chapter 7: The Man with Red Eyes: The children tesser to the planet Camazotz, which is under the control of the evil force known as IT. They witness the eerie conformity of the people, who are controlled by IT. They meet a man with red eyes who appears to be under IT’s influence. Charles Wallace, thinking he can outsmart IT, goes with the man, but it becomes clear that the man is also under IT’s control.
Chapter 8: The Transparent Column: Meg, Calvin, and Mrs. Who try to save Charles Wallace from IT’s control. They enter a building where they encounter a transparent column. Inside the column, they find Charles Wallace, who is no longer himself and speaks with a cold, mechanical voice. Meg tries to reach him, but she is unable to break through the column’s barrier.
Chapter 9: IT: Meg is brought before IT, a disembodied brain that represents the ultimate evil and controls all life on Camazotz. IT tries to manipulate Meg, claiming that he can offer her love and understanding if she succumbs to its control. Meg resists and refuses to surrender to IT’s influence, determined to save Charles Wallace.
Chapter 10: Absolute Zero: Meg, Calvin, and Mrs. Who are reunited with Mrs. Whatsit and Mrs. Which. They strategize to rescue Charles Wallace and escape from Camazotz. They learn about the dangers of the dark power of IT and the importance of relying on love and individuality to fight against conformity and evil.
Chapter 11: Aunt Beast: Meg is wounded and separated from the others. She is cared for by a creature called Aunt Beast, who is blind but possesses great compassion and empathy. Aunt Beast helps Meg heal and provides her with encouragement and support.
Chapter 12: The Foolish and the Weak: Meg returns to her friends and finds that Charles Wallace is still under IT’s control. Meg uses her love for her brother to try and free him from IT’s influence. With the help of Mrs. Who, Mrs. Whatsit, and Mrs. Which, Meg and Charles Wallace are tesser-ed away from Camazotz, leaving Calvin behind.
These chapters depict the harrowing and intense journey of the main characters through the oppressive and controlled world of Camazotz. They face the manipulative power of IT, encounter mysterious beings, and must rely on their inner strength, love, and individuality to overcome the challenges they face. The story builds towards the climax as Meg and her friends strive to rescue Charles Wallace and escape from the clutches of IT.