Student Question

Who are Gandhi and Copernicus in A Wrinkle in Time?

Quick answer:

In "A Wrinkle in Time," Gandhi and Copernicus are among the "holy people" fighting against the Black Thing, a dark force enveloping Earth. These figures, viewed through a crystal ball by the children, represent those who combat this evil with love and creativity. Alongside Jesus, Buddha, Einstein, and others, they symbolize the power of positive influence and action. Meg, Charles Wallace, Calvin, and their father join this group in their struggle.

Expert Answers

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Gandhi and Copernicus are just two of the holy people who are endeavoring to fight the Black Thing that has enveloped Earth. The children see this fact as they stare into the crystal ball in chapter five. The children's guides (Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which) have known that the Black Thing (which most resembles a dark cloud) has been blanketing the earth for quite some time. These holy people are the ones trying to fight the cloud, mostly with the feeling of love for one's neighbor, which can be determined by either action or art. For example, Jesus is probably the most important of the "fighters" mentioned here; however, both Gandhi and Copernicus are mentioned as well. Others in the mix are Buddha, Einstein, Michelangelo, Bach, Rembrandt, etc. All of them have endeavored to overcome the evil that the Black Thing represents. Now Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin (as well as their father) become some of those "holy people" as well.

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