Characters: Meg Murry
Meg Murry stands as the central character of "A Wrinkle in Time," embodying the trials and tribulations of adolescence. At thirteen, she navigates an awkward period marked by a lanky frame, stringy hair, and the need for both braces and glasses. Her quick temper often leads others to perceive her as "unfeminine," and her unconventional approach to academia results in teachers misjudging her as "slow." However, Meg’s exceptional talent in mathematical shortcuts highlights her true intellectual capacity, often clashing with her frustration over traditional methods.
Meg's journey is deeply intertwined with her family, whose illustrious background influences her development. Her father, a physicist involved with the White House, and her mother, a potential Nobel laureate biologist, offer a rich intellectual heritage. Among Meg’s unique abilities is her capacity for kything, a form of mental communication shared with her younger brother, Charles Wallace, solidifying their profound connection.
Throughout the narrative, Meg learns to harness her self-perceived flaws as strengths, embodying themes of freedom and personal growth. Her evolution from insecurity to self-acceptance becomes a testament to the novel’s core message: the unyielding power of love in overcoming darkness.
Expert Q&A
Why does Meg get in trouble at school and how does the principal exacerbate the situation?
Meg gets in trouble at school for her outburst in class when she cannot recall information about Nicaragua, leading to her leaving the room. The situation worsens when the principal, Mr. Jenkins, insensitively confronts her about her missing father, suggesting she "face facts" about his absence. His harsh comments exacerbate Meg's distress, labeling her as "antagonistic" and "belligerent," which only heightens her emotional turmoil.
Why does Meg in A Wrinkle in Time get angry and thank Mrs. Whatsit's, Mrs. Who's, and Mrs. Which's friend?
Meg becomes angry when the Happy Medium shows her a vision of her mother, revealing her unhappiness over her father's absence. This anger is not just personal but directed at the broader evil affecting her family. It motivates Meg to take action against the dark forces imprisoning her father, shifting her focus from self-doubt to determination. Mrs. Whatsit advises Meg to retain this anger to channel her energy and confront evil effectively.
What does Charles Wallace mean when he says Meg is different from him and Calvin?
Charles Wallace distinguishes Meg from himself and Calvin because she lacks their intuitive sensibility. While Charles Wallace and Calvin experience intuitive "compulsions" or "knowings" that guide them, Meg does not possess this ability. Charles Wallace notes that Meg is not ordinary like their twin brothers, yet she doesn't share the intuitive traits that he and Calvin have, placing her in a unique position that makes her different from both groups.
Why is Meg Murry important in A Wrinkle In Time?
Meg Murry is crucial as the protagonist in A Wrinkle in Time because her character development drives the story. Initially an insecure, awkward teenager, Meg matures through her journey to rescue her father and brother, Charles Wallace, from IT. Her growth is marked by forming friendships, discovering her strengths, and understanding the power of love, which ultimately enables her to save Charles. This transformation underscores the novel's themes of self-acceptance and the strength of emotional bonds.
In A Wrinkle in Time, how does Meg react to the Happy Medium showing Calvin's family?
Meg reacts with sympathy and maturity when the Happy Medium shows Calvin's family. She is moved by the chaotic and abusive scene, realizing that Calvin, despite his confident exterior, has his own struggles. This revelation prompts Meg to offer him support by holding his hand, a gesture that marks her growth in understanding that she can provide strength to others beyond her family. Her perspective broadens as she acknowledges the hidden challenges people face.
Meg's Challenges and Impatience in A Wrinkle in Time
In A Wrinkle in Time, Meg Murry struggles with unhappiness and impatience. At school, she feels like an outsider due to her appearance, academic struggles, and the gossip surrounding her missing father and brother, Charles Wallace. Meg's impatience is evident in her confrontations and her urgency to rescue her father from Camazotz. Her problems stem from the loss of her father, who disappeared while fighting the Dark Thing, a metaphor for the universe's pervasive evil.
Meg's Personal Growth and Relationships in A Wrinkle in Time
In A Wrinkle in Time, Meg Murry experiences significant personal growth. Initially, she struggles with self-doubt, feeling inadequate compared to her family and peers. Through her journey, she learns to accept her faults as strengths, recognizing the power of love and uniqueness. Her relationship with Calvin, marked by mutual support, helps her realize her capacity for love. Meg's journey teaches her to harness her emotions positively, ultimately empowering her to rescue her brother and embrace her individuality.
The similarities and differences between Meg, her father, and Calvin in A Wrinkle in Time
Meg, her father, and Calvin in A Wrinkle in Time share a strong sense of determination and courage in the face of adversity. However, they differ in their approaches: Meg is emotional and impulsive, her father is logical and scientific, while Calvin is empathetic and socially adept. These contrasting traits complement each other in their quest to overcome challenges.
Methods Meg used to break IT's control in A Wrinkle in Time
Meg breaks IT's control by focusing on her love for her brother, Charles Wallace. She realizes that love, which IT cannot understand or replicate, is her strongest weapon. By concentrating on this emotion, she is able to free Charles Wallace from IT's influence.
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