A Wrinkle In Time is about a young girl named Meg Murry who, along with her brother Charles Wallace and friend Calvin O'Keefe, embarks on an extraordinary journey through space and time to rescue her father. They are guided by mysterious beings, and must confront the darkness that threatens the universe. This is a tale of adventure, love, and the triumph of good over evil.
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A Wrinkle In Time Book Summary
Meg Murry, a young girl with a brilliant mind but low self-esteem, is troubled by the disappearance of her father, a scientist working on a secret government project. Meg's brother Charles Wallace introduces her to three eccentric women in their neighborhood: Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which, who reveal that they know about the tesseract, a form of space travel.
It is explained that Meg's father is trapped on the planet Camazotz, under the control of a menacing force called IT. Meg, Charles Wallace, along with their new friend Calvin O'Keefe, embark on a quest to rescue Mr. Murry. The trio is guided by the women through the tesseract, a method of 'wrinkling' time and space.
They land on the lush planet Uriel, where they see a shadow known as the Dark Thing that is affecting Earth. The children learn about the battle between light and darkness that is taking place throughout the universe. Mrs. Whatsit transforms into a celestial creature to explain the concept of the Black Thing and the battle to fight it.
The children are then taken to the haunting planet Camazotz, controlled by IT. They find Mr. Murry, but Charles Wallace is controlled by IT. Meg, Calvin, and Mr. Murry are forced to leave without him, breaking Meg's heart.
On the Happy Medium's planet, they see a vision of Earth engulfed in the Dark Thing. Meg realizes that love is the only weapon that can defeat IT, and she is resolved to save Charles Wallace with it.
Returning to Camazotz, Meg confronts IT, but she is nearly overwhelmed by its power. Only by recognizing and embracing her own faults and those of her friends does she find the strength to resist IT's influence.
Now she can reach Charles Wallace. Meg tells him she loves him, which breaks the hold of IT. Charles Wallace is freed, and with the help of her father and Calvin, they tesser back to Earth.
Back home, the Murry family is reunited, and the townspeople who have been monitoring the children's disappearance are mystified by their return. Meg's journey has helped her recognize her own worth and the value of individuality and love.
A Wrinkle In Time Quotes
- The wound is the place where the Light enters you.
- Maybe you have to know the darkness before you can appreciate the light.
- 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.
A Wrinkle In Time Ending Explained
At the end of A Wrinkle In Time, Meg and her companions successfully rescue her father, but not without facing significant challenges and personal growth.
Meg confronts the malevolent IT with love, breaking the hold it has over her brother Charles Wallace. This act of love and bravery is a turning point that allows them to escape Camazotz and return home to Earth.
The story concludes with the Murry family reunited and the town baffled by the children's miraculous return. Meg has found her place in the universe and has come to understand the power and significance of love.
Characters in book A Wrinkle In Time
- Meg Murry: A determined and intelligent young girl who loves her family deeply and is the central protagonist of the story.
- Charles Wallace Murry: Meg's exceptionally intelligent younger brother, who seems to possess a deep understanding of the universe.
- Calvin O'Keefe: A high school student who becomes Meg's close friend and accompanies her on the journey. He is perceptive and kind-hearted.
- Dr. Alex Murry: Meg and Charles Wallace's father, a physicist who has gone missing and is in need of rescue.
- Mrs. Murry: The children's mother, who supports and cares for them in their father's absence.
- The Mrs. Ws: Three celestial beings - Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which - who guide the children on their journey.
- The Dark Thing: A malevolent force that has spread across the universe, causing fear and suffering.
- IT: The main antagonist, a disembodied brain that controls the planet Camazotz and seeks to dominate through uniformity.
- The Man with Red Eyes: A servant of IT who is the children's first encounter with the mind-controlling force on Camazotz.
Key Lessons
- Embrace Your Uniqueness: Your individuality is a strength; don't be afraid to stand out from the crowd.
- Love Is Transformative: True love is a force that can change and heal, both oneself and others.
- Confront Darkness with Light: In the face of fear and evil, it's essential to stand firm with hope and positivity.
My Personal Opinion
Is A Wrinkle In Time worth reading? Absolutely! I found it to be a captivating blend of science fiction and fantasy that delves into deep themes of love and individuality.
I was struck by the powerful message of the story, which emphasizes the importance of love and courage in the face of darkness. However, the narrative occasionally meandered, and some of the science concepts might be a bit complicated for younger readers. Personally, I found the character development to be the true gem of the book.
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy stories that explore the human condition and the battle between good and evil. It's particularly well-suited for young readers, as it imparts valuable life lessons in an accessible and engaging way. A Wrinkle In Time is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and provoke thought.