A Wrinkle In Time Quotes And Page Numbers

A Wrinkle in Time Quotes and Page Numbers: Exploring Madeleine L'Engle's Masterpiece

Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time, a timeless classic of children's literature, is brimming with insightful quotes that resonate with readers of all ages. These quotes, woven into the narrative fabric, explore themes of love, courage, faith, and the power of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming darkness. This article delves into some of the most memorable quotes from the novel, providing their page numbers (referencing the 2009 Puffin edition) and exploring their significance within the context of the story. Note that page numbers may vary slightly depending on the edition.

Quotes on Love and Family: The Foundation of Strength

The novel emphasizes the unwavering power of familial love as the foundation for Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin's journey. This love acts as a shield against the overwhelming darkness they encounter.

• "And the thing is," said Charles Wallace, "that love isn't something you find, it's something that's given to you." (Page 96) This quote encapsulates the selfless nature of love, highlighting its importance as an inherent gift rather than a sought-after possession. It sets the stage for the children's reliance on their love for each other and for their mother throughout their trials.

• "But you are not afraid," Meg said in a small voice. "No," said her brother, "I am not afraid. You're here." (Page 116) This exchange showcases the strength Charles Wallace derives from Meg's presence. It underscores the protective and comforting role siblings play in facing daunting challenges. Their sibling bond is a constant source of support in their harrowing adventure.

• "I don't know what to do," she whispered. "But I know I have to do something," Mrs. Whatsit said softly. "And you must love." (Page 184) This exchange demonstrates the importance of love as a guiding force, even when faced with uncertainty and overwhelming odds. Love transcends logic and fear, providing motivation and strength in the face of adversity. It highlights the role of love as a protective force in confronting evil.

• "It isn't easy to love," said Meg, "but it's the most important thing there is." (Page 220) This poignant reflection highlights the challenges inherent in loving, yet emphasizes its ultimate importance. It's a powerful message that transcends the fantastical elements of the story, speaking directly to the human experience. It reinforces the central theme of love as a crucial element of resilience and strength.

Quotes on Courage and Resilience: Facing Darkness

The journey through time and space challenges the children to confront their fears and insecurities. The following quotes highlight their growing courage and resilience:

• "But if you're brave enough to meet it, darkness will reveal what light cannot." (Page 234) This quote, spoken by Mrs. Who, suggests that confronting fear and darkness is essential for growth and understanding. It inverts the typical association of light with goodness and darkness with evil, suggesting that true wisdom comes from embracing both.

• "Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it." (Page 159) This profound observation emphasizes the importance of facing fear head-on rather than avoiding it. It highlights the essence of true courage, not as a lack of fear, but as the ability to overcome it. This concept is crucial to the children's journey and their overall development.

• "We can't just sit and watch. We've got to do something. Even if it's just to be brave for a little while." (Page 137) This shows the children's developing sense of responsibility and their willingness to act despite overwhelming odds. Their bravery is not static; it's a deliberate choice they make to confront the darkness they face.

• “It doesn't matter what you look like, it's what you do that counts.” (Page 72) This shows that outward appearances are less important than character and actions. The children learn to define themselves not by physical attributes but by their courage and actions.

Quotes on Faith and Belief: The Power of the Unseen

The novel explores the interplay between faith, reason, and the power of belief. The characters grapple with understanding things beyond their comprehension, challenging their preconceived notions.

• "It is necessary to believe in something or one can never truly understand anything." (Page 154) This quote underscores the importance of faith as a cornerstone of understanding. It posits that without belief, a deeper comprehension of the world remains inaccessible.

• "You must believe in yourselves," she said. "You must believe in your father." (Page 240) This shows that faith in oneself and in others is essential for facing adversity and overcoming challenges. The emphasis on belief in their father mirrors the importance of belief in their love and the guiding light of their familial bond.

• "There is such a thing as a dark side," said Meg, “and the darkness is stronger than the light. And there's nothing you can do about it.” Mrs. Whatsit smiled, “Oh, yes, there is, little one. There is." (Page 152) This exchange highlights the struggle between light and darkness and the importance of faith that good can prevail even when it appears impossible.

• "There is more darkness in this universe than light," she [Mrs. Whatsit] said. “But the light always wins.” (Page 187) This echoes the previous quote, reinforcing the central theme of hope and faith, even in the face of overwhelming darkness. It underscores the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

Quotes on Knowledge and Understanding: The Pursuit of Wisdom

The quest to understand the nature of good and evil, and the forces that shape the universe, is central to A Wrinkle in Time. The quotes below demonstrate the pursuit of knowledge and the evolving understanding of the characters.

• "It wasn't that they could suddenly know all there was to know, but that they could know more, and could go on knowing more, and that is what makes a person intelligent." (Page 208) This illustrates that the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey, not a destination. Intelligence is not fixed but ever-expanding.

• "It's not just intelligence that you need," said Mrs. Whatsit. "It's character. You've got to be brave enough to look the evil in the face." (Page 227) This highlights the interplay between intelligence and character. True wisdom requires not only intellect but also courage and moral strength. This further emphasizes the theme of confronting darkness as a key to true understanding.

• "The most important thing," Mrs Whatsit continued, "is to use your intelligence. To think for yourselves. To use your courage, your integrity, your goodness, your faith." (Page 233) This quote effectively summarizes many central themes, linking intelligence, courage, integrity, goodness and faith together to illustrate what is required to fight evil and understand the universe.

The Power of Language and Description: Engle's Poetic Prose

L'Engle's writing is characterized by vivid imagery and evocative language, adding depth and meaning to the narrative. While specific page numbers are difficult to assign to the overall effect of her prose, the impact of her descriptive language is felt throughout the novel. The detailed descriptions of Camazotz and Uriel bring the fantastical elements to life, while the subtle descriptions of Meg's emotional struggles convey the strength of her internal conflict. This linguistic mastery is a crucial element of the book's enduring appeal. For example, her descriptions of the tesseract, a concept difficult to grasp, are made more accessible and even captivating through the evocative imagery.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Inspiring Words

A Wrinkle in Time is more than just a children's book; it's a philosophical exploration of fundamental human experiences. The quotes presented here, along with their corresponding page numbers, provide a glimpse into the rich tapestry of themes and ideas explored within the novel. They showcase L'Engle's ability to weave complex ideas into a compelling narrative, leaving a lasting impact on readers through the power of her words and the enduring wisdom she imparts. The enduring popularity of the book lies not only in its fantastical elements but in the timeless messages of love, courage, and faith that continue to resonate with readers across generations. Exploring these quotes offers a deeper understanding and appreciation of this literary masterpiece.