Themes: Good and Evil
A Wrinkle in Time is a classic novel about the battle between good and evil. Meg, Charles Wallace, Dr. Murry, and their friends all fight on the side of good, which is defined by its ability to make friends, feel love, and discern the difference between right and wrong. Meanwhile, IT, the Man with the Red Eyes, and the Dark Thing (the figure of Death) are all agents of evil. IT is the villain and antagonist of the novel, using its psychic powers as a gigantic brain to mind control the people of Camazotz. In so doing, IT strips the people of their free will, forcing them to obey its commands instead of acting on their own behalf. IT also imprisons Dr. Murry, a gifted scientist whose job it was to fix the social problems IT caused on Camazotz. IT's tyrannical behavior stems from its lack of a conscience. This ultimately makes IT vulnerable to the forces of good, which employ different weapons (love instead of mind control, for instance) to defeat their enemies. In the end, Meg is victorious.
Expert Q&A
The defeat of IT in "A Wrinkle in Time."
In A Wrinkle in Time, IT is defeated when Meg uses the power of love to reach her brother Charles Wallace. Her love frees him from IT's control, illustrating that love is a stronger force than IT's domination.
Understanding the Black Thing in A Wrinkle in Time
In A Wrinkle in Time, the "Black Thing" symbolizes the pervasive force of evil threatening the universe. It represents darkness, opposed by the light of love and goodness. The children, Meg and Charles Wallace, confront this evil, particularly embodied by IT on the dark planet Camazotz. Meg ultimately breaks the spell of IT over Charles Wallace through the power of love, showcasing that evil cannot comprehend or withstand selfless love. This cosmic battle underscores themes of individuality and the strength found in perceived flaws.
Is Earth portrayed as a dark planet in A Wrinkle in Time?
In A Wrinkle in Time, Earth is portrayed as a partially dark planet. This is shown when the children see a dark shadow, The Black Thing, hovering over Earth. The planet is a battleground between good and evil, with good people like religious leaders and philosophers keeping evil at bay. Unlike Earth, Camazotz is fully dark, while planets like Uriel remain untouched by darkness, embodying love and light.
In A Wrinkle in Time, how are Pasteur and Gandhi "lights for others to stand by"?
In "A Wrinkle in Time," Pasteur and Gandhi are "lights for others to stand by" because they represent figures who have fought against the "Dark Thing" of evil on Earth. Pasteur used science to combat disease, while Gandhi employed nonviolence to achieve freedom. Both exemplified ways to combat ignorance and violence, illuminating paths of goodness and hope. Such individuals prevent the world from succumbing to darkness by promoting justice, peace, and knowledge.
What is wrong with the society of Camazotz in Engle's 'A Wrinkle in Time'?
The society of Camazotz is fundamentally flawed as its citizens have surrendered their free will to IT, a controlling, malevolent brain. IT regulates every aspect of life, including children's playtime, enforcing strict conformity. This is exemplified when a boy who bounces his ball out of sync is "reeducated." The oppressive control extends to Meg's brother, who is hypnotized by IT, but ultimately, Meg's love rescues him from this totalitarian influence.
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