Lecture / Presentation: A Wrinkle in Time - Chapter 1 Summary

Introduction

• Book: A Wrinkle in Time
• Author: Madeleine L'Engle
• Published: 1962
• Awards: Newbery Medal (best children's book of the year)
• Significance: Long-lasting popularity, recently adapted into a movie

Chapter 1: Mrs. Whatsit

Setting and Main Character Introduction

• Protagonist: Margaret (Meg) Murray
• Setting: Stormy night in Meg's attic bedroom
• Mood: Meg is anxious and worried
• Family:
  • Parents: Brilliant, but father is absent
  • Brothers: Charles Wallace (youngest, perceived as odd), Sandy and Dennis (twins, more socially accepted)

Meg's Internal Struggles

• School: Dropped to the lowest section, criticized by teachers
• Bullying: Teased by peers, feels isolated
• Father's Absence: Misses him deeply, community gossip about his disappearance
• Personal Feelings: Feels unattractive, wishes she could hide emotions better

Storm and Family Dynamics

• Storm: Wind and rain intensify, Meg feels the house might not withstand it
• Charles Wallace: Displays uncanny awareness, comforts Meg
• Mother: Calm and collected, offers warmth and reassurance

Mysterious Visitor

• Mrs. Whatsit: Quirky and unconventional character, arrives during the storm
  • Appearance: Bundled in numerous scarves, mismatched clothing
  • Behavior: Unusual but kind, familiar with Charles Wallace
• Discussion: Light-hearted but hints at deeper knowledge
  • Mentions a tesseract: Causes Mrs. Murray to react with shock

Key Themes Introduced

• Family and Isolation: Meg feels misunderstood and isolated within her family and community
• Mystery: Introduction of Mrs. Whatsit and the term