A Wrinkle In Time Quotes With Page Numbers

A Wrinkle in Time Quotes with Page Numbers: Exploring Madeleine L'Engle's Timeless Classic

Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time isn't just a children's book; it's a powerful exploration of good versus evil, the nature of love and faith, and the importance of family. Its enduring popularity stems from its compelling characters, imaginative world-building, and thought-provoking themes. This article delves into some of the most memorable quotes from the novel, providing page numbers for reference (based on the 1997 Fawcett Columbine edition) and exploring their significance within the broader context of the story. Note that page numbers may vary depending on the edition.

I. The Power of Family and Love:

A Wrinkle in Time emphasizes the strength found in familial bonds and unwavering love. Meg Murry, the protagonist, faces overwhelming challenges, yet she perseveres due to the support of her family and her belief in the power of love.

• "It wasn't a bad sort of loneliness; it was a good loneliness. The loneliness of a person who is walking alone on a long road. The loneliness of a person who is reaching out to another person." (Page 11) This early quote establishes Meg's initial isolation and hints at the journey of connection she'll undertake. Her loneliness isn't a negative state but a catalyst for growth and connection.

• "But I don't want to be just good. I want to be brave." (Page 37) Meg's desire transcends mere obedience; she seeks courage and resilience in the face of adversity. This reveals her inherent strength and her determination to fight against the forces of darkness.

• "You must each choose your own path," she said, "and it will be different from all other paths." (Page 177) Mrs. Whatsit emphasizes individuality and the unique journeys each person must embark on. This quote reinforces the importance of personal growth and the acceptance of diverse experiences.

• "Oh, Charles Wallace," Meg whispered, "I love you." (Page 214) This powerful expression of sibling love highlights the deep bond between Meg and Charles Wallace, a bond that strengthens them throughout their perilous adventure. This love acts as a guiding light in their darkest moments.

II. The Nature of Good and Evil:

The struggle between good and evil forms the central conflict of A Wrinkle in Time. The novel explores different manifestations of these opposing forces, challenging readers to contemplate the complexities of morality.

• "There is such a thing as being too good," said Mrs. Who. "It is a sort of moral sickness." (Page 48) This paradoxical statement challenges conventional notions of goodness. It suggests that excessive adherence to rigid morality can be detrimental, hinting at the importance of balance and nuance.

• "There is no such thing as a happy ending," Meg said slowly. "All endings are sad. Even if the ending is what you wanted." (Page 108) This quote captures the bittersweet nature of life and the inevitability of loss, even in the face of victory. This early foreshadowing prepares readers for the complexities of the narrative's resolution.

• "Evil, like darkness, is often something that is created, not something that exists. It can't be defined, only its opposite, goodness. Love, for instance, is a good. Darkness is simply the absence of light. Evil, then, is the absence of good." (Page 186) This insightful explanation clarifies the nature of evil within the story's context. It presents evil not as an independent entity, but as the absence of love and goodness.

• "To love is to be vulnerable," said Mrs. Whatsit softly. (Page 197) This quote unveils the essential connection between love and vulnerability. True love involves the willingness to risk oneself, even in the face of potential harm. This vulnerability is also key to Meg's strength and ability to fight IT.

III. The Importance of Faith and Belief:

Faith and belief play a significant role in Meg's journey. Her unwavering faith in her family, in the power of love, and in the existence of goodness helps her overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

• "But the darkness doesn't really exist," Charles Wallace said. "There is only light. The darkness is merely the absence of light, like space is the absence of earth." (Page 131) This statement reflects the novel's philosophical underpinnings. It emphasizes the importance of embracing light and goodness over succumbing to fear and negativity.

• "It's just that, sometimes, it's so hard to believe," Charles Wallace whispered. (Page 139) This candid admission acknowledges the challenges of maintaining faith in difficult circumstances. It highlights the struggle between doubt and belief, a theme many readers can relate to.

• "Love," said Mrs. Whatsit, "is a more powerful force than energy." (Page 178) This quote encapsulates the central message of A Wrinkle in Time. It prioritizes love and connection above all else, portraying it as the most potent force in the universe.

IV. The Journey and the Destination:

The journey itself becomes as important as the destination in A Wrinkle in Time. The challenges Meg and her companions face shape them and make their eventual triumph all the more significant.

• "We are all travelers on a journey, and we must learn to embrace the journey and not just the destination." (Page 117) This underscores the importance of the process of growth and learning. The experiences, both positive and negative, are vital in shaping an individual's character.

• "It wasn't just that she was brave; she was so terribly, painfully brave that it hurt her, it hurt her family to watch her be so brave." (Page 129) This observation points to the cost of bravery and the sacrifices often required to confront evil. Meg’s strength is not effortless. It is a profound and often painful sacrifice.

• "If you want to know what a person is like, you must listen, not to what they say about themselves, but to what they say about others." (Page 206) This astute quote underscores the importance of observation and critical thinking in understanding people's true character. Actions and opinions regarding others often reveal more than self-proclaimed virtues.

• "Every time we choose something, we are also choosing something else, not making the choice." (Page 216) This quote encapsulates the principle of opportunity cost. Each decision inherently involves forgoing other potential paths, underscoring the complex nature of choice.

V. The Power of Language and Imagination:

L'Engle masterfully employs language to create a vivid and imaginative world. The quotes below demonstrate her use of evocative language to convey profound ideas.

• "The air itself hummed." (Page 23) This simple yet effective phrase creates a sense of anticipation and otherworldliness, setting the stage for the fantastical journey to come.

• "It wasn't a physical darkness; it was a moral darkness." (Page 78) This distinction between physical and moral darkness highlights the thematic depth of the novel, focusing on the inner struggles as well as the external conflicts.

• "She felt a sudden, unbearable loneliness, not a sad loneliness but a terrifying loneliness." (Page 112) This concise description portrays the intensity of Meg's isolation, emphasizing the emotional weight of her experiences.

• "The darkness was closing in on them." (Page 210) This recurring motif underlines the constant threat of evil and the necessity of constant vigilance and fighting for what is right.

This exploration of quotes from A Wrinkle in Time only scratches the surface of the novel's richness and complexity. Each quote, in its context, contributes to the overall message of the story, prompting readers to confront important questions about love, faith, courage, and the nature of good and evil. By analyzing these selected quotes, we can gain a deeper appreciation for L'Engle's enduring masterpiece and its continued relevance in today's world. The power of the novel lies not just in its fantastical elements but in its timeless exploration of the human condition. Further investigation into the book will reveal more subtle layers of meaning and symbolism that make A Wrinkle in Time a truly unforgettable reading experience. The lasting impact of the book is a testament to L'Engle's skill in blending imaginative storytelling with powerful philosophical insights.