Student Question

What command did Mrs. Which give to Meg, Charles, and Calvin on Camazotz?

Quick answer:

Mrs. Which gave Meg, Charles, and Calvin a crucial command on Camazotz: "Go down into the town. Go together. Do not let them separate you. Be strong." This instruction emphasized unity and strength, warning them against the forces on Camazotz designed to separate them. Meg's stubbornness, considered a "fault," becomes vital in adhering to this command, ultimately leading to their success by ensuring they remain together despite challenges.

Expert Answers

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All three of the ladies give advice and guidance to the children when they arrive at Camazotz. Mrs. Who gives hints to Calvin and Charles Wallace and her glasses to Meg. Mrs. Whatsit gives each child one of their own qualities: to Calvin communication skills, to Meg her "faults" (which will come in handy later, especially her stubbornness), and to Charles Wallace the resilience of childhood. Mrs. Which's advice, unlike Mrs. Who's and Mrs. Whatsit's, takes the form of a very clear command. As you know, Mrs. Which's voice is unclear and vibrates quite a bit, but this is what she says:

To all three of you I give my command. Go down into the town. Go together. Do not let them separate you. Be strong.

This is an important instruction as the children go forth. Everything about Camazotz is designed to unnerve them, and on several occasions, other forces attempt—and almost succeed—in separating them. It is Meg's stubbornness that eventually prevails. She refuses to allow them to be separated, even when things seem impossible. That stubborn refusal to break Mrs. Which's command is what eventually leads them to success. However, all the children will need to use every gift, hint, and piece of advice they have received before the story is done.

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